Our friends at the Canal and River Trust have shared their recent fish rescue adventures. They tell us why it's a wonderful outdoor activity for children. Read on to find out more...
Canals are historic structures which require ongoing maintenance to keep them beautiful places for the public to enjoy. Before you can repair a canal, it needs to be drained. This leaves fish vulnerable, so the Canal & River Trust carry out ‘fish rescues’ whenever a canal needs to be drained. Electric currents are sent through the water to stun the fish, causing them to float to the surface where they can be collected, unharmed. They are then translocated to another section of the canal that is still in water.
Fish rescues are a great way to teach children about fish – which usually can’t be seen in canals. On 3rd November, Llangattock CiW Primary School came along to witness a fish rescue on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in the Brecon Beacons. The school were also joined by BBC Countryfile, who filmed the event.
The children were fortunate to see some large European eels, along with Roach, Perch and Gudgeons. Close up experiences like this allow children to appreciate why we need to care for our canals. As well as teaching children about different fish species, we also encourage children to practice good social citizenship by picking up litter and looking after the environment around them.
The Countryfile episode was aired on 27th November. Catch up on BBC iPlayer to see what a fish rescue is all about!
Canal & River Explorers is the education team of the Canal & River Trust. For free learning resources and activities, visit our website, canalriverexplorers.org.uk.
Our favourite fishing kit recommendations...- Puddleflex Wellies - Red
- GeoSafari® Jr Aqua Magnifier
- Snowstorm Ski Jacket - Blue Stars
- Barts Ski Gloves - Blue
- Snug Knitted Balaclava - Black
- GeoSafari® Adventure Tools Wristband