L.U.N.K.E.R.S.
An important part of regeneration at WPEC is to improve fish habitat. One way we have done this is by installing L.U.N.K.E.R.S. units in the river bank. These units are underwater structures that can stabilize a stream bank and provide a safe resting place for fish. L.U.N.K.E.R.S. stands for "Little Underwater Neighbourhood Keeper Encompassing Rheotactic Salmonids."
Our
L.U.N.K.E.R.S. units are wooden cribs made of cedar, with spaces for
fish to enter and swim through. Reinforcing rods anchor the units to the
riverbed, while wooden stringers secure them permanently into the
riverbank. Rocks were positioned to cover them, hold them down, and
blend them into the surroundings. They are designed to imitate an
undercut bank, providing overhead cover for fish.
L.U.N.K.E.R.S.
units provide protected resting and feeding places for fish. They also
prevent erosion of stream banks and the silting up of riverbeds. They
are used with good results in locations across North America where
conservation is practised, helping to increase the diversity of fish and
protect spawning.