#07–64 March 5, 2007
State’s only fish lock offers underwater view; access limited
Unique to the state and the Southeast, the fish lock at St.
Stephen dam affords passage for fish
migrating upstream to spawn, and permits visitors an underwater view through
a glass window from March 15 through April 15. Due to heightened national
security, visitors must make reservations in advance for tours, which may be
scheduled from March 15–April 15.
As in recent years, walk-in visitors at the fish lock will not be allowed.
Reservations for guided tours are free, but space is limited. South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff will explain the lock operation
and its importance to fishery resource conservation. For further
information, or to make reservations, contact Sabrina Wright at DNR’s Dennis
Wildlife Center in Bonneau at (843) 825-3387.
See
video of the window>>>
DNR operates the fish lock, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as
part of the St. Stephen Dam on the Rediversion Canal in Berkeley County.
“The fish lock operates on the same principle as navigation locks that let
boats pass through dams,” said Steve Leach, DNR fisheries biologist with the
Freshwater Fisheries Section. “It allows migratory fish like American shad
and blueback herring to move from the Santee River to Lakes Moultrie and
Marion and into the upper Santee, Congaree and Wateree rivers during their
annual migration. This opens large areas of spawning and nursery grounds
allowing fish populations to expand in numbers. These fish provide
recreational and commercial fishing opportunities, ecological benefits from
transfer of energy from the ocean to freshwater, and are a primary food
source forgave fish such as Santee-Cooper striped bass.”
The fish lock is capable of transporting thousands of fish upstream and
over the dam daily, and an underwater window gives visitors a unique view of
fish migration while allowing biologists to monitor fish passage into the
lakes. Fish migration is a natural phenomenon, though, and so is subject to
changing environmental conditions including water discharge. Viewing of fish
at a specific time cannot be guaranteed.
