Evaluation of Burst Swimming Performance of Upstream Migrant Fishes Project Number: 09030 Initiated: 1993 Status: Completed 2003 Location: CAFRL Flume Complex Knowledge of locomotory and energetic capabilities of upstream migrant fishes is essential for determining their ability to negotiate and ascend riverine obstructions and passage structures, where water velocities and turbulence can be high. Maximum burst speeds, durations and distances of ascent under rectilinear flow conditions were determined for eight species of anadromous and potamodromous (freshwater riverine) fishes over a range of water velocites up to 4.5 m/sec, including American shad (Alosa sapidissima), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and walleye (Stizostedion vitreum). Other measures of swimming performance were evaluated, including acceleration rates, discontinuous swimming patterns (burst-and-coast mode) and the relationship between tailbeat frequency and absolute swimming speed. The results of this study are used as baseline fish behavioral data for the design and evaluation of upstream fish passage structures (e.g., notches through dams, culverts, and fishways).