Sportvisserij Nederland organized a visit to the historic Ankerkuil on the Rhine-Waal at Ochten. This traditional vessel, used for anchored stownet fishing, dates back centuries and reflects a long-standing connection between river communities and their environment.  The Ankerkuil was developed as a sustainable and effective fishing tool, allowing fishermen to catch fish without causing excessive harm to the river ecosystem. It consists of a large, anchored net structure that traps fish as they pass by, particularly targeting migratory species such as eels, shad, and various salmon and trout species.

During the golden age of river fishing, dozens of boats equipped with similar gear lined the riverbanks, forming a vital part of local economies and river culture. Over time, however, increased pollution and interventions in the river system led to a decline in both fish stocks and traditional fishing practices. Today, the Ankerkuil has been adapted for scientific research, serving as a valuable tool for monitoring fish populations and their migration patterns, informing decision-making in the management of the river ecosystem.

The Ankerkuil also serves as a location for conducting research on plastic pollution in the river. Alongside fish, the nets catch all sorts of debris floating in the water column. The researchers from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management carefully go through these materials, sorting organic from non-organic. Nearing three years, the project is now almost at its end, and has delivered some useful insights:

“Moist towelettes hardly decompose in river water; Films and packaging materials from snacks, candy, chips, and cigarettes are the most common; In Germany, the size of the plastic is larger than in the Netherlands; On the left side of the Waal, more plastic is being caught than on the right side; Some of the plastic in the Netherlands already flows into the Rhine from Germany, but there is certainly also Dutch contribution; The amount of plastic in the water increases sharply during periods of heavy rain or high water levels.” 1