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If you have kids and live in the Highlands, chances are you've been in Whin Park – ever wondered what was in the pond?


By Andrew Dixon

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The council had pumped the water down to between knee and ankle deep, ideal for electrofishing.
The council had pumped the water down to between knee and ankle deep, ideal for electrofishing.

Ness District Salmon Fishery Board had the chance to rescue some fish fish as Highland Council drained the Whin Park pond in Inverness.

The group shared photos and information about their discoveries on social media.

The catch from the first session, 46 eels, one brown trout, minnows, sticklebacks and a few lamprey.
The catch from the first session, 46 eels, one brown trout, minnows, sticklebacks and a few lamprey.

A spokesman stated: "We had two quick sessions in Whin Park pond with the electrofishing kit to rescue any fish present as Highland Council draw the water down prior to remedial works.

"We had previously deployed fyke nets in the pond for a couple nights during which time we only caught one eel. We were, therefore, quite surprised to see how many eels were in there. We caught 114 eels in total, plus some other nice fish.

"All fish were released into the adjacent River Ness."

Released into the river.
Released into the river.

He added: "It is a while since we had caught so many eels. Eels are considered to be critically endangered but they were doing well in Whin Park pond.

Nice catch of eels and a good brown trout.
Nice catch of eels and a good brown trout.

"There were a mix of 'silver' and 'yellow' eels. Maturing eels turn silver in preparation for the incredible journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the Sargasso Sea. The shallow, productive, weedy habitat in the pond is ideal for eels, it was great to see so many removed and released."

Highland Council staff, using large water-pumping equipment, began drainage work around 10 days ago.

A passing family found out about eels.
A passing family found out about eels.

The aim is to complete a clean-up of the area and to manage and control an invasive non-native weed species found in the pond.

A council spokesman explained that the pond would be fully cleaned, with all debris removed and responsibly disposed of.

Part of the catch on day two included brown trout ready for spawning. They have a better chance of finding spawning habitat in the river than in the pond.
Part of the catch on day two included brown trout ready for spawning. They have a better chance of finding spawning habitat in the river than in the pond.

Once cleaned, repaired and refilled, the popular Whin Park boating activity on the pond will resume its well-loved summer seasonal service.

Temporary fencing and signs warning of the works are in place, but the public can still access the rest of the park.


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