Discover the underwater world in Fish Week
From May 12 to 16, we are hosting Fish Week. During this week we put the spotlight on fish. This to draw more attention to what happens under the water surface and to show what HHNK does for the wellbeing of fish. On Wednesday, May 14 there will be an open afternoon where everyone is welcome to learn more about the fascinating world under water. Young and old can participate in fun (children's) activities, attend the opening of the new exhibition and discover what HHNK is doing to protect aquatic animals.
Healthy surface water is full of life: aquatic plants, insects, amphibians and, of course, fish. We increasingly take that marine life into account in our work.
What is HHNK doing to protect fish?
Fish swim to different areas to find food, to reproduce or to survive a harsh winter. A good example is the eel that swims from our waters all the way to the Sargasso Sea (near Cuba) to reproduce. Locks, pumping stations and weirs, which are necessary to keep North Holland dry, block these routes. By constructing fish passages between the transitions of these water systems, the migration routes are restored. When new pumping stations are built, fish-safe pumps are used so that fish can pass without damage. For safe water drainage, we must mow the waterways from time to time. Whenever possible, we use new techniques so that fish are warned. Where possible, we leave the plants in place and there are nature-friendly banks. In cooperation with sport and professional fishermen we have an emergency team to rescue 'fish in distress'.
Open afternoon
Below the surface of the water is a whole world of aquatic life. This ranges from algae and aquatic plants to small creatures like beetles, snails, dragonfly larvae and fish. On Wednesday, May 14, from 2 to 5 p.m., it will be open afternoon and you can come see these underwater creatures for yourself. There will be information about fish migration and fish passages in our area. For the children there are many fun activities where they discover more about the underwater world. For example, there is an underwater photobooth, they can craft a fish, save the fish from low water, fish trash out of the water or do a scavenger hunt. Prefer making a coloring page or face painting? You can do that too during this fun and educational afternoon.
Opening exhibition
During the open afternoon, the exhibition "Like a fish in the water, past, present and future" will open at 3:30 p.m. There are wonderful stories to tell about fish/fishing past and present. They form a beautiful contrast with each other. Nowadays we jump for joy when we see an otter, but did you know that we used to chase them away precisely because the otter was seen as a competitor of the fishermen? You could even get a bounty if you caught an otter! This and more stories about the past, present and future of fishing are presented at the exhibit.
Stop by!
The open afternoon during Fish Week will take place at our headquarters, Stationsplein 136 in Heerhugowaard. Parking spaces are very limited, so please come by bike. Do you live further away? Heerhugowaard Station is across the street. You do not need to register and admission and participation in the activities are free.
