Slot Weirs and Fish Passage

The Slot Weir is an inexpensive device which is bolted to the top board of a flashboard riser that will allow many species of fish to pass the water control structure. The slot weir is only effective where there is little elevational difference between the water surface of the lake , or other impoundment, and the downstream channel.

The slot weir has been primarily used by the USFWS in North Carolina to provide access to Lake Mattamuskeet for river herring and blue crab, but could be used in many coastal impoundments for similar results. Lake Mattamuskeet is a 40,000 acre shallow water habitat historically important nursery area for river herring and blue crabs, making it valuable to commercial as well as recreational fishing interests. Lake Mattamuskeet historically produced very large blue crabs and was a popular spot for handlining for crabs.

Visit the North Carolina Ecological Services Home Page
Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page

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