Two cousins from the Western Cape, Carl Putzier and Jason van Zyl, recently traveled to Russia to participate in the fourth international fishing competition hosted by Rosatom. The competition, which took place on September 29, was aimed at demonstrating the limited environmental impact of Rosatom's nuclear power plants and the healthy state of the aquatic life. The cousins, both small business owners and avid anglers, were part of a South African team that competed against 11 other countries.
The competition was held at Lake Udomlya, approximately 200 km northwest of Moscow, where the Kalinin nuclear power plant is located. The plant's cooling system uses the lake's water to cool the reactors, resulting in a 9-12 degree Celsius increase in water temperature compared to if the plant were located elsewhere. Despite the chilly autumn weather, Putzier described the water as lukewarm when he dipped his hand in.
The cousins flew to Moscow from Cape Town on September 25, via Addis Ababa, and spent two nights in a hotel before traveling to Udomlya by train. They were impressed by the Russian capital's vibrant atmosphere, with residents freely walking and socializing outdoors until late at night. Van Zyl noted that South Africa could learn from Russia's law-abiding culture, citing examples of motorists politely stopping at pedestrian crossings.
Upon arrival in Udomlya, the teams had a chance to familiarize themselves with the surroundings and the lake on September 29. Each team was provided with a boat and a local skipper, and they were able to catch four species of fish: European pike, European perch, zander, and Wels catfish. The cousins did not bring their own equipment, relying on the organizers to provide everything needed.
On the day of the competition, Van Zyl caught two Wels catfish, which were recorded, measured, and weighed before being released back into the water. Putzier, unfortunately, did not catch any fish. Despite their relatively poor haul, the South African team finished third in the competition, with Malaysia taking the top spot with a total weight of 1.7 kg.
The cousins were impressed by the Kalinin nuclear power plant and its surroundings, including the characteristic birch trees and the Udomlya village, which was established to house the plant's workers and support services. They also visited the local museum, where they learned about the history of the balalaika, a traditional Russian instrument, and the region's experiences during World War II.
The cousins described their experience as one of the most incredible of their lives, with Putzier stating that he felt like he had left his heart in Russia. The trip was made possible by Rosatom, which hosted the fishing competition and provided accommodation for the participants. The experience also highlighted the potential for nuclear power in South Africa, with the country's long-term power plan making provision for the construction of an additional 5,200 MW of nuclear power generation.
Key points
- The competition was aimed at demonstrating the limited environmental impact of Rosatom's nuclear power plants and the healthy state of the aquatic life.
- The cousins were impressed by the Russian culture and way of life, including the law-abiding nature of its citizens.
- The experience highlighted the potential for nuclear power in South Africa, with plans for an additional 5,200 MW of nuclear power generation.
