The Wijde Sloot in Gaastmeer was formerly used for storing live eels before shipping them to London. The harbor is now called Pieldyk.
In the harbor, the Bunschepen (bun boats) of the Visser Company from Heeg were moored. There were also drying racks to dry sails and tanned fykes, nets, and ropes. The water in the Wijde Sloot was very suitable for preserving the eels. The water here always flowed, which was good for keeping the eels alive in the bins. The eels were collected in bins (floating crates), which were floating boxes with holes. The holes were large enough to let in fresh water but too small for the eels to escape. This way, the eels could be preserved for months before being transported to London in eel boats. Leggers in Gaastmeer and the Wijde Sloot were indispensable for eel traders from Heeg and Workum.
