Field scientists capturing fish in the Union Canal Linlithgow, Scotland, using the technique of electro-fishing, ahead of the 200 year-old canal being drained for essential maintenance. 

Thousands of fish have been stunned as part of a rescue effort while their canal home is partially drained for the first time in 40 years.

More than 30,000 cubic metres of water will be drained from the Union Canal in Linlithgow, West Lothian, to allow important repairs to be carried out by engineers.

Field scientists capturing fish in the Union Canal Linlithgow, Scotland, using the technique of electro-fishing, ahead of the 200 year-old canal being drained for essential maintenance. 

The 5km long section of water is home to pikes, eels and trouts which have all been electro-fished out of the water.

During electro-fishing, a giant battery sends pulses of electricity through the water causing the fish to temporarily lose their muscle functions and float to the surface.

Field scientists, Peter Dennis (L) and Tom Brook (R) capturing fish in the Union Canal Linlithgow, Scotland, using the technique of electro-fishing, ahead of the 200 year-old canal being drained for essential maintenance. 

The fish were then transferred into holding tanks before being transported to the watered sections of canal.

It is part of Scottish Canals’ programme of winter maintenance at the 200-year-old waterway.

Engineers will undertake a detailed study of the canal’s embankments and identify and repair any leakages within the channel.

Field scientists capturing fish in the Union Canal Linlithgow, Scotland, using the technique of electro-fishing, ahead of the 200 year-old canal being drained for essential maintenance. 
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