Mystery of renowned Munich fish pond's cryptic answer finally cracked
In a bid to prepare for the construction of rental apartments, a fish removal operation is planned for Sendlinger Loch, a small body of water in Munich, Germany. The Munich Regional Administration (KVR) has confirmed the plan, and the relocated fish will either be sent to suitable facilities or released into appropriate water bodies.
For several weeks, project developers Pembroke and Ehret+Klein have been collaborating with authorities to find a solution that adheres to animal welfare and nature conservation regulations. A professional company will be hired to humanely catch and relocate the fish, ensuring minimal disruption to their habitat.
Roach and gudgeon are the main species found in Sendlinger Loch. Roach, which prefer still waters, have been spotted in the Isar River but are more abundant in the Loch. The area will be limited to prevent fish from escaping during the removal process.
Tobias Ruff, a city councillor and fisheries expert, has provided an expert opinion on the fish species in Sendlinger Loch. He believes that the fish likely came from empty aquariums or garden ponds, and it's possible that roach eggs were introduced to the Loch via the feathers of birds.
The future is uncertain for the gudgeon, but Ruff suggests alternative homes for them. The zoo, pike breeders, or the reptile rescue station could provide suitable homes, with the latter offering food for their snapping turtles and snakes.
Ruff also proposes using the Güdelchen (roach) from Sendlinger Loch as a sustainable building material or for other eco-friendly architectural purposes.
The project is complex, with the water needing to be significantly lowered (at least half a meter, ideally 20-30 centimeters). The Kreisverwaltungsreferat requested an expert opinion from Tobias Ruff, who collaborated with Klaus Betlejewski to address the challenges presented by the project.
An exception permit is required for the use of electrofishing during the fish removal. The authorities will monitor the process to ensure all regulations are followed.
It's estimated that there are several hundred adult fish in Sendlinger Loch, with the total number, including small fry, reaching into the thousands. Ducks have been seen circling on the meter-deep water in the Loch, indicating a thriving ecosystem.
As the construction project approaches, efforts are being made to ensure the safe relocation of the fish and the preservation of the local ecosystem. The authorities, project developers, and experts are working together to find a solution that balances urban development with environmental conservation.
