Mussel Rope
Mussel ropes, originally designed for aquaculture, have been repurposed to assist climbing fish species in navigating barriers such as perched culverts and steep channels. Their fibrous texture provides grip and refuge, facilitating upstream movement in challenging conditions.
Key Benefits of Mussel Rope:
- Improves climbing for fish
Helps fish navigate barriers more easily. - Supports small swimming species
Aids a wide range of aquatic life, not just strong swimmers. - Affordable and easy to retrofit
Installs quickly on existing structures with minimal cost. - Preserves natural water flow
Has little to no impact on current flow patterns. - Flexible and easy to install
Lightweight and adaptable to different field conditions. - Fits various barrier types
Works with culverts, weirs, ramps, and more. - Customisable lengths
Can be cut or extended to fit specific sites. - Works with ramps and baffles
Complements existing fish passage solutions. - Low maintenance
Durable design needs little upkeep over time. -
ATS Environmental provides full support for our Mussel Ropes, including site assessments, installation, and staff training if required. Each setup is tailored to suit specific site conditions, ensuring effective deployment and long-term reliability. We also offer advice on rope placement, anchoring methods.
Where Mussel Rope Works Best
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Perched culverts
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Small culverts (throughout the length where FlexiBaffles cannot be fitted)
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Culvert aprons
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Weirs
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Low flow rates
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High water velocity areas
They are particularly effective when combined with rubber or floating ramps to assist fish in navigating challenging flow conditions.
