The fish pass at Feyssine

Now, to allow new fish species to cross this weir and swim upstream to spawning grounds, CNR is rebuilding a fish pass next to the disused lock of Villeurbanne. This structure of the latest generation, funded jointly by the Rhone-Mediterranean-Corsica Water Agency, highlights CNR’s commitment in favour of the biodiversity and preservation of natural habitats.

This structure is a pass with 10 successive basins equipped with vertical slots and a regular slope, that will allow every species to use it to cross a total head height of 1.5 m for a length of 155 m. It will function year-round, especially during the migration periods, excluding occurrences of flooding and severe low water.

 

An innovative system with sensors installed for certain species will allow checking the pass’s efficiency and fuel knowledge on the behaviour of these fishes (Rhone streber, brown trout, pike, grayling).

The trees replanted in Feyssine park and on the site of the fish pass will come from a nursery bearing the label Local Species while others will be taken from the CNR’s grafting centre and comply with the Local Plant approach.

 

Key phases of the works:

• February 2023 – wood clearance
• End of 1^st semester 2023 – diversion of the ViaRhôna cycle track
• End of 1^st semester 2023 to end of 2024 – construction of the fish pass
• Beginning of 2025 – commissioning