HUNDREDS of fish have had to be removed from a section of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal for repairs to be carried out.

A small electric current was passed through a section of the canal, near Llanhamlach, to stun the fish so experts could net them and move them to another section of the waterway.

The Thursday, November 9 operation netted carp, dace roach, bream and perch fish and was carried out by the charity Glandwr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales ahead of a project to restore the walls of the 200-year old canal.

More than 2.5 million litres of water, the equivalent of six and a half Olympic sized swimming pools, will now be drained from the section. Engineers will use clay to secure 100 metres of the waterway walls, which will help to prevent water leaking from the canal.

Kevin Phillips, Glandwr Cymru waterway supervisor, said: “The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of the most popular attractions in the Brecon Beacons, enjoyed by boaters, wildlife enthusiasts, runners, walkers and more.

“But at over two centuries old it needs plenty of care and attention. This is a good example of the type of work our charity has to do to make sure it’s in top condition for everyone who uses it, visits or lives on it.

“The fish rescue looks quite unusual. A method known as electrofishing is being used, which will see teams wading through the water in wet suits and passing a small electric current through the water. This effectively tickles the fish so that they temporarily stop swimming and can be gently netted and re-homed.”

The project is part of a £38million programme of repairs to canals and rivers across Wales and England being carried out by the charity over the winter months.

For more information about Glandwr Cymru, including how to volunteer or donate, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.