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.
Simple Fish Passage Solution for Climbing Species
ATS Environmental Mussel Rope provides a cost-effective retrofit solution for improving fish passage where traditional baffles cannot be installed. Originally designed for aquaculture, this UV-stable polyethylene rope creates textured climbing surfaces that assist native fish species in navigating perched culverts, steep channels, and small diameter pipes.The flexible design installs in looped or straight configurations with minimal impact on water flow. Effective in both low and high flow conditions, mussel rope can be used as a standalone solution or combined with floating ramps and FlexiBaffles for enhanced fish passage at challenging sites across New Zealand waterways.
Mussel Rope Specifications & Features
Enhances Climbing Ability for Fish
Provides textured grip surface that helps climbing fish species navigate perched culverts, steep channels, and other barriers where smooth surfaces prevent upstream passage.
UV-Stable Polyethylene Construction
Durable black polyethylene material withstands flowing water conditions and New Zealand’s harsh UV exposure. Low maintenance requirements over extended service life.
Low-Cost Simple Retrofit
Affordable fish passage solution that installs quickly on existing structures with minimal equipment. Ideal for small culverts where baffles cannot be fitted due to diameter constraints.
Compatible with Other Solutions
Works effectively alongside floating ramps, rubber ramps, and FlexiBaffles to create comprehensive fish passage systems for challenging sites.
Minimal Impact on Water Flow
Flexible rope design maintains natural water flow patterns with no significant head loss or velocity changes, preserving existing drainage performance.
Effective in Variable Flow Conditions
Performs reliably in both low flow rates and high water velocity areas. Supports fish passage across seasonal variations and changing stream conditions.
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.
