Saving the fish in the Canal Saint Martin

The Canal Saint Martin was started in 1802 by Napoleon I to bring fresh water to the growing population of Paris, and also served as a waterway to supply goods, food, building materials etc.

It has just been closed for cleaning, last done 15 years ago.  The drainage is revealing all sorts of rubbish - many 2-wheelers (bikes, motorcycles, scooters), shopping caddies...  I saw a street signpost, a toilet bowl, trash, pipes, - they have even found  firearm.  It should be fully emptied by tomorrow, but first they needed to save the fish.  So this unusual sight, of fishing with nets as the water is now only knee deep (but LOTS of sludge and mud!).  The fish are weighed, checked,and transferred to the water basin up-river of the canal, and will be returned when the canal is reopened.