Keep Fish Healthy

Managing Our Fisheries:

Fight Invasive Species | Control Predators | Keep Fish Healthy

In recent years both wild and stocked fish have suffered from epidemics of viruses and parasites which have had a significant impact on the angling industry. Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) has caused many fisheries to have to close their gates for months on end and considerable suffering to infected fish. Infected ornamental fish continue to be released into the natural environment.

The risk of currently absent fish diseases reaching UK waters remains very real. Gyrodactylus salaris in particular has the potential to cause billions of pounds worth of damage to the angling industry, and could require whole river systems to be poisoned, putting thousands of people out of work.

What we will do:

Campaign for a ban on fish imports for stocking to the wild.
Campaign to stop ornamental fish being used in fisheries because of the biosecurity risk they pose to wild fisheries.
Campaign for the provision of adequate controls on fish diseases to improve the health of our fisheries.
Work with the Fish Welfare Group to disseminate information to members about the control of fish diseases and new legislation.
Respond to consultations regarding fish disease and welfare.

What we could do with more resources:

Develop a national strategy for the prevention and control of all major fish diseases, including contingency plans for an outbreak of Gyrodactylus salaris.
Launch a publicity campaign to raise awareness of fish health regulations amongst fishery managers, the ornamental fish trade and the general public.
Lobby for more resources to be given to the Environment Agency fisheries department to enforce legislation and ensure biosecurity of all fisheries.
Lobby and campaign for the respective roles of the Environment Agency and CEFAS to be clearly delineated and for them to draw up co-operative working agreements.