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Kevin B Mulligan

Dr. Kevin Mulligan is Research Hydraulic Engineer at the USGS S.O. Conte Research Laboratory at Turners Falls, Massachusetts 

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, 2015, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Current Position

Kevin’s work primarily focuses on improving the performance of fish passage structures through hydraulic modeling and experiments with live, actively-migrating fish.  In conjunction to his research, Kevin has served in multiple organizer roles for the International Fish Passage Conference since its inception in 2011 and currently serves as the Vice Chair of theAmerican Fisheries Society Bioengineering Section & American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental Water Resources Institute Joint Committee on Fish Passage.  Kevin is also an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  He received his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering specializing in fish passage engineering in 2015.  In 2009, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and became an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.).

Previous Positions

  • Fish Passage Engineer; Region 5 of the United States Fish and Wildlife

Memberships in Professional Societies

  • American Fisheries Society - Bioengineering Section

  • American Society of Civil Engineers - Environmental Water Resources Institute

Science and Products

link
Flume facility

Evaluation and Development of Fish Passage Structures and Technologies

Dams can be found in just about every major river, and for good reason. Society has received many benefits like flood control, hydropower, water supply storage, and places to recreate. However, many fish and other life in our rivers can’t swim around these barriers. Often, the best spot for a fish to live and reproduce is out of reach because they can’t pass by a dam. This has not gone unnoticed...
By
Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Evaluation and Development of Fish Passage Structures and Technologies

Dams can be found in just about every major river, and for good reason. Society has received many benefits like flood control, hydropower, water supply storage, and places to recreate. However, many fish and other life in our rivers can’t swim around these barriers. Often, the best spot for a fish to live and reproduce is out of reach because they can’t pass by a dam. This has not gone unnoticed...
Learn More
link
Flume Facility

Conservation Engineering

Engineering has an important role to play in the conservation of migratory fish species. As a result of anthropogenic development on river systems, full and partial barriers to fish movement commonly exist in watersheds worldwide. There is an estimated 2.5 million barriers to fish migration in the United States alone. These barriers typically consist of small to large size dams, culverts, and...
By
Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Conservation Engineering

Engineering has an important role to play in the conservation of migratory fish species. As a result of anthropogenic development on river systems, full and partial barriers to fish movement commonly exist in watersheds worldwide. There is an estimated 2.5 million barriers to fish migration in the United States alone. These barriers typically consist of small to large size dams, culverts, and...
Learn More
link
fish passage hydraulic flume

Fish Passage Hydraulic Flume

Many existing upstream and downstream fish passage structure designs (fishways, culverts, screens, downstream bypasses, etc.) function poorly or only for a narrow range of species or environmental conditions. Agencies currently seek improved or new designs that pass a broader range of species with increased efficiency and reliability, under a wider range of hydraulic operating conditions, and at...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Fish Passage Hydraulic Flume

Many existing upstream and downstream fish passage structure designs (fishways, culverts, screens, downstream bypasses, etc.) function poorly or only for a narrow range of species or environmental conditions. Agencies currently seek improved or new designs that pass a broader range of species with increased efficiency and reliability, under a wider range of hydraulic operating conditions, and at...
Learn More

Flume facility data collection at the S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory in Turners Falls, MA for the 2016-2017 Fishway Entrance Gate Project

This data was collected over the course of two years, from 2016 to 2017, within the flume facility laboratory. The research project that was conducted evaluated different fishway entrance designs and their effect on the passage of adult American shad. The data consists of 15 columns and 1925 rows. Each row entry pertains to the performance of a single fish during one of 64 trials over the two year
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
Scale model of fish ladder
link
Hydraulics Laboratory at the CAFRL
link
Flume facility
link
Fish collection
link
Hydraulics Laboratory at the CAFRL
link

Fishway Entrance Palisade

This technical report summarizes the work that was conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), along with other project partners, on the Fishway Entrance Palisade (EP), a projected funded through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) funding opportunity titled ‘Innovative Solutions for Fish Passage at Hydropower Dams’ (DE‐FOA‐0001662). The period

Effect of backwatering a streamgage weir on the passage performance of adult American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)

Streamgage designs often include a full-width artificial hydraulic control (e.g., concrete weir) to aid in the computation of streamflow. While important to water resource managers, these weirs also tend to act as full or partial barriers to fish migration, effectively hindering the health and survival of these populations. In this study, we conducted experiments to quantify the effect of head dro

Effects of plunge pool configuration on downstream passage survival of juvenile blueback herring

Anadromous alosines are widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Juveniles of this clade are notoriously fragile animals that are at high risk of injury and death associated with passage at hydroelectric facilities. Although turbine mortality is a common concern, conditions encountered when bypassed around these routes may also be hazardous. Downstream bypass structures typically discharge i
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Fishway entrance gate experiments with adult American Shad

The goal of this multiyear study was to examine how changes to an upstream fishway entrance impacted the passage rate of adult American shad (Alosa sapidissima). We evaluated a total of nine treatment conditions that consisted of three fishway entrance gate types and three submergence depths (i.e., the water surface elevation of the tailwater relative to the height of the gate crest). Approximatel
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Downstream fish passage guide walls: A hydraulic scale model analysis

Partial-depth guide walls are used to improve passage efficiency and reduce the delay of out-migrating anadromous fish species by guiding fish to a bypass route (i.e. weir, pipe, sluice gate) that circumvents the turbine intakes, where survival is usually lower. Evaluation and monitoring studies, however, indicate a high propensity for some fish to pass underneath, rather than along, the guide wal
By
Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Hydraulic and biological analysis of the passability of select fish species at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey

Recent efforts to advance river connectivity for the Millstone River watershed in New Jersey have led to the evaluation of a low-flow gauging weir that spans the full width of the river. The methods and results of a desktop modelling exercise were used to evaluate the potential ability of three anadromous fish species (Alosa sapidissima [American shad], Alosa pseudoharengus [alewife], and Alosa ae
By
Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Sensitivity of the downward to sweeping velocity ratio to the bypass flow percentage along a guide wall for downstream fish passage

Partial-depth impermeable guidance structures (or guide walls) are used as a method to assist in the downstream passage of fish at a hydroelectric facility. However, guide walls can result in a strong downward velocity causing the approaching fish to pass below the wall and into the direction of the turbine intakes. The objective of this study was to describe how the ratio of the vertical velocity
By
Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

A computational fluid dynamics modeling study of guide walls for downstream fish passage

A partial-depth, impermeable guidance structure (or guide wall) for downstream fish passage is typically constructed as a series of panels attached to a floating boom and anchored across a water body (e.g. river channel, reservoir, or power canal). The downstream terminus of the wall is generally located nearby to a fish bypass structure. If guidance is successful, the fish will avoid entrainment
By
Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Derivation and application of the energy dissipation factor in the design of fishways

Reducing turbulence and associated air entrainment is generally considered advantageous in the engineering design of fish passage facilities. The well-known energy dissipation factor, or EDF, correlates with observations of the phenomena. However, inconsistencies in EDF forms exist and the bases for volumetric energy dissipation rate criteria are often misunderstood. A comprehensive survey of EDF
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Towler, B., K. Mulligan, and A. Haro (2015), Derivation and application of the energy dissipation factor in the design of fishways, Ecological Engineering, 83, 208-217, doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2015.06.014
Mulligan, K., B. Towler, A. Haro, and D.P. Ahlfeld (2015), An analysis of partial-depth, floating, impermeable guidance structures for downstream fish passage at hydroelectric facilities, Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering Dissertation submitted to the University of Massachusetts Amherst

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Flume facility

    Evaluation and Development of Fish Passage Structures and Technologies

    Dams can be found in just about every major river, and for good reason. Society has received many benefits like flood control, hydropower, water supply storage, and places to recreate. However, many fish and other life in our rivers can’t swim around these barriers. Often, the best spot for a fish to live and reproduce is out of reach because they can’t pass by a dam. This has not gone unnoticed...
    By
    Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Evaluation and Development of Fish Passage Structures and Technologies

    Dams can be found in just about every major river, and for good reason. Society has received many benefits like flood control, hydropower, water supply storage, and places to recreate. However, many fish and other life in our rivers can’t swim around these barriers. Often, the best spot for a fish to live and reproduce is out of reach because they can’t pass by a dam. This has not gone unnoticed...
    Learn More
    link
    Flume Facility

    Conservation Engineering

    Engineering has an important role to play in the conservation of migratory fish species. As a result of anthropogenic development on river systems, full and partial barriers to fish movement commonly exist in watersheds worldwide. There is an estimated 2.5 million barriers to fish migration in the United States alone. These barriers typically consist of small to large size dams, culverts, and...
    By
    Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Conservation Engineering

    Engineering has an important role to play in the conservation of migratory fish species. As a result of anthropogenic development on river systems, full and partial barriers to fish movement commonly exist in watersheds worldwide. There is an estimated 2.5 million barriers to fish migration in the United States alone. These barriers typically consist of small to large size dams, culverts, and...
    Learn More
    link
    fish passage hydraulic flume

    Fish Passage Hydraulic Flume

    Many existing upstream and downstream fish passage structure designs (fishways, culverts, screens, downstream bypasses, etc.) function poorly or only for a narrow range of species or environmental conditions. Agencies currently seek improved or new designs that pass a broader range of species with increased efficiency and reliability, under a wider range of hydraulic operating conditions, and at...
    By
    Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Fish Passage Hydraulic Flume

    Many existing upstream and downstream fish passage structure designs (fishways, culverts, screens, downstream bypasses, etc.) function poorly or only for a narrow range of species or environmental conditions. Agencies currently seek improved or new designs that pass a broader range of species with increased efficiency and reliability, under a wider range of hydraulic operating conditions, and at...
    Learn More
  • Data

    Flume facility data collection at the S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory in Turners Falls, MA for the 2016-2017 Fishway Entrance Gate Project

    This data was collected over the course of two years, from 2016 to 2017, within the flume facility laboratory. The research project that was conducted evaluated different fishway entrance designs and their effect on the passage of adult American shad. The data consists of 15 columns and 1925 rows. Each row entry pertains to the performance of a single fish during one of 64 trials over the two year
    By
    Eastern Ecological Science Center
  • Multimedia
    Scale model of fish ladder
    link
    Hydraulics Laboratory at the CAFRL
    link
    Flume facility
    link
    Fish collection
    link
    Hydraulics Laboratory at the CAFRL
    link
  • Publications

    Fishway Entrance Palisade

    This technical report summarizes the work that was conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), along with other project partners, on the Fishway Entrance Palisade (EP), a projected funded through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) funding opportunity titled ‘Innovative Solutions for Fish Passage at Hydropower Dams’ (DE‐FOA‐0001662). The period

    Effect of backwatering a streamgage weir on the passage performance of adult American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)

    Streamgage designs often include a full-width artificial hydraulic control (e.g., concrete weir) to aid in the computation of streamflow. While important to water resource managers, these weirs also tend to act as full or partial barriers to fish migration, effectively hindering the health and survival of these populations. In this study, we conducted experiments to quantify the effect of head dro

    Effects of plunge pool configuration on downstream passage survival of juvenile blueback herring

    Anadromous alosines are widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Juveniles of this clade are notoriously fragile animals that are at high risk of injury and death associated with passage at hydroelectric facilities. Although turbine mortality is a common concern, conditions encountered when bypassed around these routes may also be hazardous. Downstream bypass structures typically discharge i
    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Fishway entrance gate experiments with adult American Shad

    The goal of this multiyear study was to examine how changes to an upstream fishway entrance impacted the passage rate of adult American shad (Alosa sapidissima). We evaluated a total of nine treatment conditions that consisted of three fishway entrance gate types and three submergence depths (i.e., the water surface elevation of the tailwater relative to the height of the gate crest). Approximatel
    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Downstream fish passage guide walls: A hydraulic scale model analysis

    Partial-depth guide walls are used to improve passage efficiency and reduce the delay of out-migrating anadromous fish species by guiding fish to a bypass route (i.e. weir, pipe, sluice gate) that circumvents the turbine intakes, where survival is usually lower. Evaluation and monitoring studies, however, indicate a high propensity for some fish to pass underneath, rather than along, the guide wal
    By
    Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Hydraulic and biological analysis of the passability of select fish species at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey

    Recent efforts to advance river connectivity for the Millstone River watershed in New Jersey have led to the evaluation of a low-flow gauging weir that spans the full width of the river. The methods and results of a desktop modelling exercise were used to evaluate the potential ability of three anadromous fish species (Alosa sapidissima [American shad], Alosa pseudoharengus [alewife], and Alosa ae
    By
    Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Sensitivity of the downward to sweeping velocity ratio to the bypass flow percentage along a guide wall for downstream fish passage

    Partial-depth impermeable guidance structures (or guide walls) are used as a method to assist in the downstream passage of fish at a hydroelectric facility. However, guide walls can result in a strong downward velocity causing the approaching fish to pass below the wall and into the direction of the turbine intakes. The objective of this study was to describe how the ratio of the vertical velocity
    By
    Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    A computational fluid dynamics modeling study of guide walls for downstream fish passage

    A partial-depth, impermeable guidance structure (or guide wall) for downstream fish passage is typically constructed as a series of panels attached to a floating boom and anchored across a water body (e.g. river channel, reservoir, or power canal). The downstream terminus of the wall is generally located nearby to a fish bypass structure. If guidance is successful, the fish will avoid entrainment
    By
    Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Derivation and application of the energy dissipation factor in the design of fishways

    Reducing turbulence and associated air entrainment is generally considered advantageous in the engineering design of fish passage facilities. The well-known energy dissipation factor, or EDF, correlates with observations of the phenomena. However, inconsistencies in EDF forms exist and the bases for volumetric energy dissipation rate criteria are often misunderstood. A comprehensive survey of EDF
    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Towler, B., K. Mulligan, and A. Haro (2015), Derivation and application of the energy dissipation factor in the design of fishways, Ecological Engineering, 83, 208-217, doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2015.06.014
    Mulligan, K., B. Towler, A. Haro, and D.P. Ahlfeld (2015), An analysis of partial-depth, floating, impermeable guidance structures for downstream fish passage at hydroelectric facilities, Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering Dissertation submitted to the University of Massachusetts Amherst

    **Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.