The Highbridge Angling Association is dedicated to creating effective biosecurity strategies for our venues, focusing on protecting our fish populations and reducing the risk of invasive species spread.
The Highbridge Angling Association is dedicated to creating effective biosecurity strategies for our venues, focusing on protecting our fish populations and reducing the risk of invasive species spread.
Biosecurity Manager: Ashley Hand
Highbridge Angling Association has selected an excellent candidate to oversee the implementation of biosecurity measures. The biosecurity manager is tasked with developing and upholding a comprehensive biosecurity plan that identifies potential threats and determines suitable systems and procedures to mitigate or manage these risks.
Aqua Award:
The Highbridge Angling Association has collaborated with the Bristol Zoological Society and the Angling Trust in pursuit of our AQUA awards. Thanks to our collective dedication, we have successfully achieved the Bronze award.
As a club, we have progressed and are beginning to be acknowledged as "more than just an angling club." The Highbridge Angling Association is committed to continually enhancing our efforts towards biosecurity at our venues.
The Highbridge Angling Association wishes to say a big thanks to Ashley Hand for his dedication towards Biosecurity
What does biosecurity entail?
Biosecurity involves a collection of strategies designed to stop the introduction or spread of invasive non-native species to or from a particular area. This includes various actions, such as requiring anglers to clean and dry their equipment upon arrival, raising awareness about invasive species, and making sure that native plants are used in habitat conservation efforts. It is crucial that these practices are incorporated into all activities at a fishery to protect the region from the accidental introduction of invasive species..
Diseases can enter our ecosystems unexpectedly, and some may have devastating consequences. Thus, it is essential to proactively record and implement strategies to avert disease outbreaks. This involves consistently monitoring water quality and performing health evaluations on our fish to detect any signs of illness.
Invasive non-native species can be brought into our areas by humans, either on purpose or by accident. A major threat to waterways and fisheries is the accidental introduction of these species via damp fishing gear. Equipment like nets, waders, and bait bags present a significant risk, as studies indicate that invasive species can survive for at least 14 days in uncleaned equipment and can reproduce from just a few plant fragments or individual insects.
Long-term management of invasive species and the safeguarding of fisheries and fish stocks are best accomplished through prevention, which is both efficient and cost-effective. The term 'biosecurity' refers to a variety of measures aimed at reducing the risk of invasive species being introduced to or from a location.
Invasive species can outcompete and prey on native fish populations, degrade water quality, harm spawning habitats, and limit angling access. In extreme cases, they can result in the temporary or permanent closure of a fishery due to invasion.
By adopting these measures, we can also protect fisheries from fish diseases and parasites, which can spread through uncleaned nets, unhooking mats, and footwear.
Here's a list of some of invasive species around our lakes, or other lakes you may visit.
Vertebrates
Plants
At our Walrow complex, we provide all the necessary equipment, including nets, cradles, mats, keepnets, and slings. Simply choose your swim and pick up what you need to get started.
Guru landing nets
Korda Kaizen Carp Cradles
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