‘STOP THE SPREAD’ of Non Native Species

‘STOP THE SPREAD’ of Non Native Species
1 July 2016 Roger Patrick
In Conservation

If you are going on a fishing holiday or have just retuned please remember to ensure that all your equipment is clean before using it again on the Little River Avon. The EA recommended way of cleaning your equipment is “Check, Clean, Dry”.

Link: NNSS Website

Check, Clean, Dry disinfection procedure

Check

All clothing and equipment should be thoroughly inspected and any visible debris (mud, plant or animal matter) should be removed and left at the water body where it was found. Particular attention must be paid to the seams and seals of boots and waders. Any pockets of pooled water should be emptied.

Clean

Equipment should be hosed down or pressure-washed on site. If facilities are not available equipment should be carefully contained, e.g. in plastic bags, until they can be found. Washings should be left at the water body where the equipment was used, or contained and not allowed to enter any other watercourse or drainage system (i.e. do not put them down the drain or sink). Where possible, clean equipment should be dipped in disinfectant solution (e.g. Virkon) to kill diseases, but note this is unlikely to kill non-native species.

Dry

Thoroughly drying is the best method for disinfecting clothing and equipment. Boots and nets should be hung-up to dry. Equipment should be thoroughly dry for 48 hours before it is used elsewhere. Some non-native species can survive for as many as 15 days in damp conditions and up to 2 days in dry conditions, so the drying process must be thorough.

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