CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COARSE ANGLERS Prepared by the SAA on behalf of the NAA Endorsed by the Second Edition, October 2002 - Price £1.00
Introduction We can do no better than to quote Professor David Bellamy, who said about this booklet; "A giant leap in the right direction, a Code of Conduct for the fishers that puts the Environment first. Great news for the fish and for the waters of Britain." David Bellamy. We hope we can live up to this! The Code was originally designed to guide specialist coarse anglers through the pitfalls of suitable conduct and the methods employed in our sport, and was published through the old SACG. Now angling has again taken a new leap forward with the formation of the NAA (National Angling Alliance, see members below), and the Code has been widened to include all aspects of coarse angling The Code is a detailed document intended to offer guidance to individuals and groups, and also as a basis in whole or part for club rule-books. We do recognise however that it covers a lot of detail, too much in fact for newcomers to fishing! So, for a "quick guide" to the basics we have also reproduced the Environment Agency leaflet "Angling & Wildlife Golden Rules", to which we contributed and which we endorsed, plus some additions of our own. If you need a simplified version please simply turn to the "Newcomers Guide-Starting Angling" section at the back of this booklet. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Environment Agency, both for the considerable help we have received in compiling this Code, and for their huge financial backing which has allowed us once again to achieve widespread distribution of this document. To quote the EA This code is designed to complement the existing legislative framework and provides a commonsense guide to values and behaviour to which anglers should aspire. The Environment Agency supports angling and fully endorses this Code of Conduct. Above all though, remember that this Code is designed to allow us to interact sympathetically with the environment and with the other conservationists who share our waters, and to protect our quarry. Rules are best kept to a minimum, but are necessary to ensure we adhere to the highest standards. Above all, enjoy the sport, look after the fish and respect other wildlife along with the environment as a whole! Specialist Anglers' Alliance © Copyright SAA/NAA January 2002 Available for free publication with due acknowledgement to the copyright owners SAA, with written permission Produced by the Specialist Anglers Alliance in conjunction with the following: National Angling Alliance (NAA) Angling Trade Association National Association of Fisheries & Angling Consultatives National Federation of Anglers National Federation of Sea Anglers Salmon & Trout Association Specialist Anglers Alliance
Printed by ACT Print Management (Wolverhampton) Illustrations by Pete Curtis
CONTENTS
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SAA Group Members Other Organisations Who Support This Code
We would also like to thank our partners at the National Angling Alliance For the tremendous help and support in preparing this Code. NAA members are the Angling Trades Association, National Association of Fisheries & Angling Consultatives,
The Way Forward for Angling-from the Environment Agency
The Government's response to the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review in early 2001 restated the Government's support for angling. Good fisheries management brings much wider benefits to the water environment and anglers are a powerful voice in the drive for improving fisheries and their associated habitats. Angling also brings important benefits to the economy, particularly in rural areas, and to people's quality of life. Angling should be accessible to all, including the young, the old and the disabled. It provides a unique opportunity for people to enjoy the natural environment in a quiet and unobtrusive way; in turn bringing tremendous social benefits in terms of people's sense of well being. For these benefits to be realised it is important that angling is carried out in a way that is sustainable in terms of fish stocks and the wider environment. The Agency regulates angling through legislation and byelaws to ensure that fishing is carried out in ways that are sustainable and to protect our fish stocks for future generations of anglers. However, there are many other aspects of angling that are best improved through encouragement and education. The Agency is keen to work in partnership with others to promote angling and therefore welcomes the opportunity to join with the Specialist Anglers' Alliance (SAA) in the production of this revised Code of Conduct. It is through partnerships such as this project that we will be able to offer better value for money for the income we raise. All anglers should read the information on their rod licences and should be aware of the laws and byelaws that apply to them when fishing. This code is designed to complement the existing legislative framework and provides a commonsense guide to values and behaviour to which anglers should aspire. The Environment Agency categorically supports the sport of angling, and through co-operation and collaboration with other interested parties is wholly committed to provide the nation with better fish stocks, better fisheries and better angling. Dr David Clarke, Head of Fisheries, Environment Agency
SECTION 1 CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT Litter/Nylon Line Litter is anti-social and unsightly, and the anti-litter laws have been further strengthened through the Environmental Protection Act of 1990. Never drop litter or discard tackle and remember that discarded nylon line is particularly hazardous to wildlife. Carry rubbish bags in order to always pick up any discarded litter or line you find, and take them home. Discarded line should be burnt or cut into short lengths before disposal to avoid entangling wildlife at waste tips. Crack-offs on the cast, and snagged rigs in either bankside or underwater environments, should be removed immediately where practicable or reported to club bailiffs for removal. Choose your own swim with care to reduce the risk of snagging on trees or bankside vegetation. Temporary floats such as balloons, which are jerked free from the line when the bait reaches the required area, constitute litter, and must always be recovered. Wildlife And The Bankside Respect the environment and minimise disruption to waterside wildlife. Do not light fires, and avoid damage to fences or crops. Do not break down bankside vegetation, although the judicious trimming of plants is acceptable to re-establish existing angling 'pegs' or 'swims'. This should be done carefully and sympathetically, taking out only what is necessary in order to fish the area properly and leaving the surroundings in a tidy condition. In all cases, check that club rules allow pruning by individuals. New swims should only be cut with the permission of the fishery owner or tenant, taking due consideration for the environment and to anglers in existing swims. Some birds nest on shingle islands at gravel pits, or in the bankside, not just in trees, bushes and reedbeds as we commonly think. April to June are the most sensitive months, when species such as common terns, kingfishers and little ringed plovers are sensitive to disturbance (this can include simply remaining close to a nest for a long period). Disturbing some protected birds is illegal. Note that, on occasion, fishery owners and managers may designate swims temporarily out of bounds because they are adjacent to nesting birds. Always treat this with the utmost respect and comply. Never leave rods on the bank with hooks still baited, as these food items could be picked up by birds or animals. Beware of birds swimming into your line or picking up surface baits, as major entanglements can follow. Remember too, that swans can easily reach food a metre below the surface. To avoid unnecessary problems, try not to fish where people habitually feed water-fowl. Never attempt to restrain an injured swan (or other large bird or animal), by holding onto line it may be caught in or hooked to. Severe injury and heightened trauma often follow. For swans and geese, cut the line and report to the rescue organisations shown below. Smaller birds can often be best dealt with by unhooking or freeing at the time of the incident, or being held comfortably in a small box or other dark space if treatment is required. (These are recommended guidelines from the bird rescue organisations.) National Swan Sanctuary Hotline 07000 SWAN UK Or 01784 431667 Or RSPCA 0870 55 55999 Or Wildlife Hospital Trust 01844 292292 Always carry these contact telephone numbers, and report sick or injured animals to them. The problem may not be angling-related and may give warning of a serious problem at the water. Either way, report the incident for the sake of the wildlife living by the water. Working parties and other bankside management should be undertaken in a sympathetic manner, to manage and improve the habitat for all wildlife, creating a total environment into which the angler will fit, but does not dominate. For further information on this and vegetation management such as coppicing, hedging and planting, suggested reference books are included in Appendix A On Sites designated for their nature conservation value such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it is a legal requirement to consult English Nature (in England), the Countryside Council for Wales (In Wales), or Scottish Natural Heritage (in Scotland), on any proposed developments or changes in management of the site. Hygiene On waters where toilets are not provided, anglers should carry and always use a trowel or suitable trenching tool. Pollution The Environment Agency runs a total service to fight pollution and improve water quality on our behalf. If serious pollution is reported, Agency staff will come to the site within two hours (4 hours outside office hours). Environment Agency Hotline (24 hours) 0800 807060. This number (which is printed on your rod licence) can also be used to report illegal fish movements, fish-stealing or introduction. NFA (NEMESIS Scheme) and ACA membership is highly recommended. These voluntary bodies works unceasingly on our behalf and also fights for compensation through the civil courts when pollution does take place. For details of the ACA, phone 01568 620447. or visit http://www.a-c-a.org For details of the NFA, see details on page 37.
SECTION 2 GENERAL BEHAVIOUR Conduct At The Waterside Always park your vehicle considerately and safely, especially on farmland. Show consideration to other anglers and water users. It is good angling practice to minimise bankside noise and movement, and to avoid fishing in a way which interferes with other water users. Always consider the peace and quiet enjoyed by residents on or close to fisheries at all times, but especially at night. Banksticks, umbrella poles and other accessories should not be knocked in with a hammer or other implement. If the ground is very hard, use threaded poles, banksticks, pegs etc. Do not use bright lights at night; use a shaded torch only. Before joining other anglers for a social chat, consider that this is not always welcome. If you do so, remove your bait from the water. Also, do not use any equipment such as mobile phones, radios or TVs which are audible to others. Do not shout or use bad language. Avoid casting into other anglers' swims, or distance casting that stops other anglers from fishing areas of a water normally accessible from their swim. If using two or more rods (subject to Agency byelaws and local club rules), remember that rod butts must not be further apart than a maximum spread of three metres. Be aware of any specific rules relating to the fishery - and observe them. Environment Agency Licences/Water Permits Always purchase and carry current Agency rod licence(s) appropriate to the number of rods used (this applies to England & Wales only). This helps the Agency to secure the funds necessary to protect and improve our fishing. We strongly recommend that day-tickets and season-tickets should be issued by clubs and fisheries only on production of a current Agency licence. Always obtain a current fishing permit and abide by its regulations. Always be polite and helpful to Agency staff - they are there to help you and to protect your interests. Be sure to read and understand the current Agency byelaws in the region you are fishing, there are sometimes significant differences in what is allowed between regions. It is your responsibility to be aware of these restrictions. A statutory coarse fish close season (March 15 Š June 15 inclusive) applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England & Wales. It also applies to a few stillwaters and canals designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); if in doubt contact the local Environment Agency office for advice. Be aware that whilst there is no legal requirement for most stillwaters to close, some fishery owners impose non-statutory close seasons on their waters. General Safety When long casting, watch out for people on the far bank in case the line breaks. Always use an adequate breaking-strain line when using heavy weights. Shock leaders are recommended for heavyweight distance casting. Always ensure that they are securely attached to the main line and that they are safe, so that any knot will pass through the rig should a breakage occur. Be aware of the dangers of wading and never wade where you are not sure it is safe to do so. The use of a wading-staff or landing-net pole will provide warning of sudden depth changes or a soft river bed. On flooded rivers, beware of undercut banks and rising water levels. OVERHEAD POWER CABLES-LOOK OUT-LOOK UP!
Always notify someone of where you intend to fish and what time you are expected to return. In pulling for a break to free a snagged line, be aware leads/tackle, (even a float) can fly back and cause serious injury. Apply leverage sideways away from you, or at least turn away from the direction of pull to safeguard your eyes; thick clothing may also help avoid injury. Always wear a life-jacket or other buoyancy aid when fishing from a boat, even though you may be a competent swimmer. (See Appendix M for full details on boats.) When fishing from very steep, slippery river-banks it is sensible to use a length of rope tied to a tree or post for assistance. You may also wish to consider wearing a lightweight buoyancy aid. Never walk out onto frozen waters. The ice is usually too thin to support a person's weight. Falling in can lead to lives being lost, both yours and those of any rescuers. Take care when moving about at night. We suggest carrying a whistle in order to attract attention in an emergency. Anglers should be aware of the dangers of Weil's Disease, which is transmitted through rats' urine on the bankside and at the water's edge. Cover any open cuts, however small, with waterproof dressings. Food must not be put on the ground and hands must be as clean as possible when eating and preparing food. Never put wet line in your mouth or trim knots with your teeth. Most cases start with an influenza-like illness, which resolves in two to three weeks. Common features are sudden onset of fever, intense headache, severe pains in calf and back muscles, red eyes and prostration. Some cases develop abdominal pains with diarrhoea and vomiting or meningitis. If these symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately. In the case of severe rat infestation, it should be reported to the water owner. If waters are publicly owned, report to the Pest Control Services division of the Environmental Health Services at your local borough or district council. Match Fishing Code All competitors must be in possession of a current Environment Agency rod licence All matches should be run in accordance with laid down rules; ideally these should be the Governing Body rules, (NFA Model Match Rules) and all competitors should be aware of these rules at the outset. These rules must include compliance with local byelaws. Every care must be taken to ensure no inconvenience is caused to others unless by previous agreement; this includes the parking of vehicles. Competitors should only fish swims which have been drawn/allocated. Every care must be taken to safeguard fish and other wildlife At the weigh-in, fish must be moved to the mouth of the keep-net whilst it is still in the water, large fish should be placed on the scales individually. All competitors must ensure that their swims are clear of litter. Failure to do so for instance under NFA Model Match Rules will mean automatic disqualification. Remember that in a match irresponsible behaviour by one competitor often leads to action being taken against all. "Implementing Child Protection in Angling" The Joint Angling Governing Bodies have put together an easy to use "Implementing Child Protection" Pack, which includes Template Forms, an Action Plan and contacts for advice. Sport England have in fact recommended the Pack to 200 Governing bodies of other sports as a model of good practice! For copies or guidance please speak to the NFA (contact details are given under "Contacts; including Angling Governing Bodies" on page 37.)
SECTION 3 TACKLE, RIGS AND BAITS Tackle (a) General Always use balanced tackle that is in good condition and suitable for the species and fishery situation. If in doubt, seek advice. Be aware that 'line class' records can give rise to fishing with tackle that is far too light for the intended quarry. This is actively discouraged. Do not fish in areas where lost fish are a virtual certainty (i.e. excessively snaggy swims). (b) Pole Fishing When fishing canals do not place your pole across the towpath, restricting the access rights of other users. The same applies to park lakes and other busy places with public access. Ensure that spare poles and pole sections are positioned parallel to the bank, preferably on a pole rack, to allow unobstructed passage for other bankside users. When landing fish ensure that your pole can be unshipped without causing similar obstruction. Always ensure that you remove your pole in good time to allow boats to pass. Never allow your pole to encroach onto other people's gardens, fences and paths etc without permission. Do not leave your pole unattended with a baited hook-left in the water; it endangers fish, is particularly vulnerable to tackle loss, and is illegal (Environment Agency Bylaw), and baited hooks left out of the water can be picked up by birds and animals. Pole fishing leaves you particularly vulnerable to overhead power cables-LOOK OUT-LOOK UP! Take the weight of long poles across your knees to reduce the risk of back strain. (c) Rod numbers/night fishing Never leave baited rods unattended or unsupervised. Agency byelaws require that while fishing, all rods should be under sufficient control of the angler. Current legislation in England and Wales permits an angler to fish for coarse fish with a maximum of four rods at any one time. Each rod licence entitles the angler to use two rods, with two separate licences required if three, or four rods are to be used. Note that although the four rod limit is a National bylaw in England and Wales, fishery owners or managers retain the right to set a lower limit, if they deem it more suitable. Whilst on waters with low fish densities multiple rods can be used with no detrimental effects, where fish stocks are high multiple rod usage may not be appropriate and a number of points should be taken into consideration when deciding on the number to use;
Multiple rod usage can certainly enhance angling productivity, but use only when suitable! We would also add that long stay anglers in particular often fish whilst asleep, which is completely acceptable providing bite alarms are properly used to ensure a bite wakes the angler instantly. Do check buzzers will wake you even when asleep, extension boxes will provide good warning without disturbing other anglers. Also consider speed of access to your rods by putting the bivvy as close as possible, and leaving the door and sleeping bag unzipped whenever practical. Rigs (a) General Your first priority is the safety and well-being of the fish. Tether-rigs must not be used. If the line breaks, the tackle must be free to slide off the line - a towed lead, feeder or float could snag and trap the fish. (For examples of these dangerous rigs, and some acceptable alternatives, see Appendices C, D, E, F, G, H, & I.) Remember that if shock-leaders are used, the leader-knot must always be able to slide through the rig. Also consider the use of barbless or reduced barb hooks as an additional precaution. While the deliberate foul-hooking of fish is illegal, it is inevitable that this occasionally happens accidentally. Some regional Agency byelaws require that accidentally foul-hooked fish are returned immediately to the water. Other byelaws limit the number and/or size of hooks that may be used in conjunction with a single rod or attached to a lure, in order to reduce the likelihood of foul-hooking fish. Avoid rigs that are likely to result in foulhooking. Similarly, rigs that are likely to result in deep-hooking of fish should be avoided. Great consideration should be given before using double-hook rigs, where two separately baited hooks are employed on the same rod. Extreme caution should be taken, and they should not be used in heavy weed. They may also be banned in some regions by the local byelaws. To avoid the dangers of leaving a fish tethered to a snag in the event of a break in the main line, both hook links must be free to slide off the line. Please use barbless or reduced barb hooks wherever possible; the widespread use of these should be actively encouraged, especially barbless in the smaller sizes, 14 downwards. Note however some anglers believe large barbless hooks can be harmful, particularly for perch. Bent hooks should not be used (The term "bent" hooks refers to certain long shank carp hooks bent at 30° in the middle) The use of most sizes of lead weights is illegal and non-toxic weights are widely available. Lead weights of 0.06grams (No.8 shot) or less or of more than 28.35 grams (1oz) may be used. While it is legal to use lead "dust" shot in size 8 and smaller, they are toxic if ingested by birds, and should be used with care; always use in spill-proof containers and dispose of used lead safely at home. Lead core leaders as used for carp fishing can easily tangle on underwater snags due to their tendency to wrap around snags, etc. and tether a fish, should the main-line break. There is a substantial body of opinion against the use of lead-core leaders. If they are to be used we strongly recommend that extreme caution be exercised and the following points be adopted;
Rigs (b) For Predators On most waters when bait fish are used, pike are usually the target species. Wire traces must always be used for both pike and zander. Otherwise, they can bite through the trace, leaving hooks etc. in the fish, with potentially fatal results. For lure-fishing too, regardless of target species, wire traces should be used. For additional points on pike and zander tackle, rigs and baits, see Appendices J, K, & L. It is recognised that the use of wire traces may be an impediment to eel and perch angling. As a first step, please consider the use of wire covered with soft silicone tubing. Failing this, employ braids with a high degree of abrasion resistance as a hook link. For eels, perch and catfish, use a single hook only (though not stainless steel, which does not easily corrode); do not use double or treble hooks. If a pike or zander does still take this, and bites through the hook link, a single hook is very unlikely to cause any damage. If pike or zander are taking baits presented on hook-links for eels, catfish, perch or chub, carefully consider changing bait or venue, or in the case of eels and perch, accepting a lower catch rate through reverting to wire traces. Baits Always use free bait offerings and groundbait in sensible quantities to ensure that uneaten food does not accumulate in fisheries, especially small, shallow bodies of still water. This will protect the quality of the aquatic environment and safeguard other anglers' sport. Observe any fishery rules on bait restrictions. For bait-fish, also see section five 'Fish Movements & Disease'. Thoroughly soak and cook all nuts, seeds and pulses. (See Appendix B)
SECTION 4 FISH HANDLING Essential Equipment: Carry and use:
Handling: Always use an unhooking mat spread on a soft flat surface, rather than on uneven or hard bankside (e.g. gravel). Be aware that watch straps, lapel badges and jewellery could catch on, and damage, a fish. Minimise the time the fish is out of water, and handle it as little as possible. Covering the head of the fish with a wet cloth or piece of wet netting will help keep it calm and stop it flapping. Note that deep-hooked fish should survive if the hook cannot be removed. Cut the line as far into the mouth as possible. Do not pull hard on the line and always release the fish immediately. When releasing a fish, support it carefully in the water, facing upstream (if in a river), until it is ready to swim off naturally. Barbel and grayling may have a particularly long recovery time, and should be supported in the water or held in a landing net until fully recovered. Respect all fish regardless of size or species. All eels should be returned alive, as it takes a long time for them to reach specimen size. Eels may become land-locked, in which case they will grow to specimen proportions and provide anglers with an interesting target. Once on the bank all eels should be handled with care. It is particularly important that the protective mucus is not removed in handling; never use newspaper to hold them but lay them on their backs and gently hold in this position for a few moments. The eel will calm down and is unlikely to move from this position. Unhook with forceps, if the eel is hooked in the lips or scissors. If the eel is deep hooked cut the line or trace as close to the eel's lips as possible and release immediately. The eel, under these circumstances, will lose the hook very quickly. Do not attempt to remove deep hooks from eels. The heart and other vital organs are very close to the back of the throat and you may cause fatal injuries if you damage them. Deep hooked perch should be treated with the same care as you would with eels. Hooklengths or traces should be cut as low down as possible and under no circumstances try to use a deep disgorger to remove deep hooks. In perch, the heart is very close to the back of the throat and it has been shown that fish are much more likely to survive if left to shed the hook naturally. Never drop or throw fish back into the water. Sacks, slings, mats, nets and your own hands must all be wetted before use; note a mat left in the sun should be dipped in the water to cool it first. Transfer fish back to the water in a sling or enclosed mat, never carry them. Photography: Must also see previous section under Handling. Select location for photography, position unhooking mat plus wet covering etc, and have camera ready loaded with sufficient film, before bringing the fish onto the bank. When holding a fish, support it properly and keep it close to the ground, over an unhooking mat. Never stand, as dropping a fish could cause it severe damage. Photography of eels will be considerably easier if done immediately after the unhooking technique outlined under Handling above. Sacks & tubes Use only when necessary, and retain fish for the minimum time possible. Large fish that have been retained for a prolonged period can be difficult to handle, so be prepared. These accessories should be of a reputable make, with plenty of holes to provide a good water exchange. Ensure that they are clean and in good condition, and check the water flow through them, otherwise fish could be damaged. In use, secure in deep water only, even at night. In shallow margins fish may suffer or even die due to extremes of temperature or lack of oxygen. Stake out securely, placing only one fish in each sack or tube. In rivers, ensure that the fish faces upstream. Check fish regularly, and release them immediately if they show signs of distress. Hold them upright in the water (facing upstream in rivers), until they push off hard of their own accord. For catfish, zander, perch, big bream and barbel - only tubes should be used, and they must be large enough to properly accommodate the fish. Big bream however, can also be kept safely in large keepnets with 28" diameter rings. Please note that it is also helpful to cover a staked-out keepnet with light, damp sacking or weed. Framed sacks are also suitable. To help prevent the spread of disease, thoroughly dry all nets and sacks between sessions. The health and welfare of the fish must always be your first priority. Keepnets: Keepnets are only suitable for small shoal fish. Never use for large carp, pike, zander, tench, perch, barbel, catfish or grayling. Large fish are not suited to keepnets because of their size, and others, regardless of size, such as carp and barbel, are unsuited because the serrated front rays of their dorsal fins can be caught and damaged by netting. Use only when necessary, and retain fish for the shortest time possible. Locate as with sacks and tubes. A "stake out bar" to prevent the net from collapsing ,or a weight on the end of the net is helpful, when wind or current could move it to the detriment of the fish. In moving water, a rectangular section net helps avoid rolling. Keepnets must comply with Agency byelaws. Those with a drawstring or zip bottom release are best. The use of keepnets incorporating 'carp sacking' at the bottom to provide a dark, safe area, is to be encouraged. These are often referred to as 'conservation mesh' KEEPNET CODE Wet hands before holding fish. When returning the fish to the water or weighing: Always place the keepnet as near to fishing position as possible - preferably immediately in front, so fish can be placed quickly.
We are indebted to the National Federation of Anglers for permission to use the above keepnet code
Environment Agency Fisheries Byelaws on keepnets, keepsacks and landing nets (1) Any person shall be guilty of an offence if he uses:- (a) a landing net with any knotted meshes or meshes of metallic material (b) a keepnet with any knotted meshes or meshes of metallic material, or having any holes in the mesh larger than 25mm internal circumference, or of less than 2.0 metres in length, or with supporting rings or frames greater than 40cm apart (excluding the distance from the top frame to the first supporting ring or frame) or less than 120cm in circumference. (c) a keepsack not constructed of a soft, dark coloured, non-abrasive, water permeable fabric, or having dimensions of less than 120cm by 90cm if rectangular, or 150cm by 30cm by 40cm if used with a frame or designed with the intention that a frame be used. (2) Any person shall be guilty of an offence if he retains more than one fish in a single keepsack at any time. (3) This Byelaw shall not apply to any keepnet or keepsack used for retaining eels which have been legally taken by instruments other than rod and line. (4) This byelaw was made taking account of the requirement for notification to the European Commission under Council Directive 83/189/EEC.
SECTION 5 FISH STOCKING, MOVEMENTS AND DISEASE Never remove fish or introduce fish to any water without the consent of the Environment Agency (for England & Wales) and the permission of the fishery owner. This includes the use of fish for live bait, which should NOT be transferred from one water to another, without consent from the Agency. Serious problems have been caused through the illegal transfer of fish. The movement of fish between waters can introduce Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC) and other diseases or parasites, and it may also result in undesirable species of fish becoming established in waters which could upset the ecological balance of a fishery Stocking with fish from any source may only be undertaken once written Section 30 consent has been obtained from the Agency. It is the personal responsibility of the person stocking the fish to ensure that Section 30 consent has been obtained. The introduction of non-native species such as Wels catfish can adversely affect existing fish stocks and ecology, and requires consent from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or the National Assembly for Wales Agriculture Department (NAWAD) in addition to Section 30 consent. The Agency has produced a free advisory leaflet - 'Buyer Beware - Your Guide to Stocking Fish' - and will provide help and advice. If you have any doubts regarding the origin, health or quality of the fish, do not stock. Unauthorised fish movements are illegal and prosecutable with serious penalties. Any fish stocking carries the risk of introducing diseases into the receiving water. Entire fisheries can be wiped out by diseases (such as SVC), even when the fish introduced appear to be healthy. The risks can be reduced by following the Agency's advice. Only use reputable fish suppliers - ask for references and speak to other fish purchasers. Request all the necessary documentation, and if in doubt, consult the Agency. Do not accept fish or allow them to be stocked without a visual examination. Remember stock fish introduced in the winter might show no signs of disease until the water starts to warm in the spring. Never be tempted by cheap fish, and always obtain a proper invoice/receipt. Do not accept fish that are different from those ordered. To avoid the accidental transfer of fish diseases and parasites, thoroughly dry or disinfect all nets, sacks and weigh-slings between angling sessions. Stock Densities Many stillwater coarse fisheries contain stock densities well above those that would occur naturally, and the fish may be almost entirely dependent on anglers' bait to sustain them. While heavily stocked coarse fisheries provide an enhanced level of sport, both anglers and fishery owners should recognise that the stock densities are artificially high and that this has the potential to cause problems in terms of fish health and welfare and water quality, and it may increase the opportunities for predation by fish-eating birds and mammals. Within sensible limits heavily stocked fisheries are viable, providing that they are carefully and properly managed. There is useful guidance for fishery owners and managers in the Institute of Fisheries Management's Stillwater Coarse Fisheries Codes Of Practice (to be published 2002). Conservation of Predators & Eels Fishery owners sometimes misguidedly cull predator species such as pike from fishing waters but the removal of large fish merely encourages an 'explosion' of younger predator fish, which feed more voraciously, and thus deprives anglers of the sport derived from larger predator specimens and the younger year classes of non-predator species. If it is believed that a water has too many predators, consult the fishery manager and/or the Agency who, in conjunction with the Predator Groups, can advise and often place unwanted fish in other waters. Eels do not breed in freshwater and are subject to higher levels of predation than most other freshwater species. Fishery owners and managers should consider the consequences to the species of allowing commercial netters to remove eels from their waters as part of the long-term management of the water. The short-term income does not equate with the loss of sport or the potential damage caused to eels stocks throughout Britain. The mature eel must travel many thousands of miles in order to breed and our freshwater stocks are of prime Importance In the preservation of the species as a whole.
APPENDIX A SUGGESTED REFERENCE BOOKS & LEAFLETS Giles, N. (1992). Wildlife After Gravel; Twenty Years of Practical Research by the Game Conservancy Council and ARC. Wetland Research Unit, The Game Conservancy Ltd. Kinsman, J and Kinsman, D. (1990). Gravel Pit Restoration for Wildlife: A Practical Manual. RSPB, Sandy, Beds Brooks, A. and Agate E. (1997). Waterways and Wetlands. British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Ltd., London. The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook (1994). The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Cowx, I. (1995). Rehabilitation of Freshwater Fisheries. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford. Cowx, I., O'Grady, K and Mills, H. (1994). Fisheries Management and Ecology. Institute of Fisheries Management. William Howarth (1987). Freshwater Fishery Law. Blackstone Press Ltd., London. Helping Fish in Lowland Streams. The Game Conservancy Trust, Hampshire. Freshwater Fisheries & Wildlife Conservation; a good practice guide. Environment Agency, edited by Giles, N. (1997). RSPB (2002). Habitat Creation Handbook for the Minerals Industry. RSPB, Sandy. Hawke, C.J. and Jose, P. Reedbed Management. RSPB, Sandy. Williams, P. et al. (2000). The Pond Book Š a guide to the management and creation of ponds. Ponds Conservation Trust, Oxford. Merritt, A. (1994). Wetlands, Industry and Wildlife Š a manual of principles and practices. Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge. The Sparsholt Guide to the Management of Carp Fisheries (2001) Ed. C P Seagrave. Sparsholt College, Hampshire. Other sources: The 'Natural History Books Service' has a comprehensive list of thousands of books currently available. They can be contacted on 01803 865913 or alternatively by e-mail (nhbs@nhbs.co.uk) or on the internet (http://www.nhbs.co.uk). For practical advice on general fishing we would suggest; For further information on stocking and importing fish: Buyer Beware - Your Guide to Stocking Fish. Available from the Environment Agency Keep Fish Diseases Out Spring Viraemia of Carp Controls on the Keeping or Release of Non-Native Fish in England and Wales A guide |
