Protecting our waters from invasive species and deadly fish diseases requires strict, actionable routines. Just because we don't see the reports of disease and invasive species in the media on a daily basis it doesn't mean it poses a very real threat. Pathogens such as KHV can close a fishery immediately and permanently! 

The gold standard in biosecurity is the Check, Clean, Dry protocol. It is essential that all equipment is inspected and cleaned before arriving and after every session.

Check: Inspect clothing, footwear, and equipment (nets, stink bags, unhooking mats) for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material, and remove them immediately.

Clean: Thoroughly wash all gear. Where possible, use hot water (45° C) or an approved disinfectant like Virkon Aquatic to kill microscopic pathogens and parasites.

Dry: Dry all equipment for at least 24 to 48 hours in the sun; many invasive species can survive for days in damp conditions.

Other methods: It is not easy to implement these tasks, especially the drying of equipment given our beautiful Yorkshire climate, but it is absolutely essential. If you visit our various different waters regularly, have you considered keeping 'venue specific' gear (such as landing net that you use only at Embsay, or different keep nets for the canal and Whinny gill)?