Makan

On Monday, October 29, 2018, for the first time, water flowed through the new clay fish passage in the wet nature area Nieuw Stroomland near industrial area Zwette VI. Daily board member Egbert Berenst of Wetterskip Fryslân has opened the fish passage. The fish passage consists of clay from the area, mixed with lime and recycled toilet paper. A unique, innovative and sustainably landscaped fish passage of more than 100 meters. Makan has shaped the concept using the clay patterns of the rifts which the Middelzee has created here in the past. Thanks to a fish passage, fish can swim to higher water more easily.

The result is not only beautiful land art. When the clay construction with cellulose from the sewage treatment hardens, it is also the start for a new circular way of working. It can be a new method to strengthen banks. As a result, less gravel from abroad is required. This is not only more sustainable, but also cheaper.

The fish passage in progress. On the foreground Pieter Hoekstra working on the clay, lime and cellulose mixture to compact it.

Such an innovative approach requires extra effort from all partners. Thanks to the intensive and enthusiastic collaboration with landscape architect Makan, research agency Netics, Cellvation (the company that filters cellulose from waste water for Wetterskip Fryslân) and contractor De Waard, this unique fish trap could be realized.

Film by Wetterskip Fryslân in which the innovative fish ladder is shown.