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.
Highbridge Angling Association takes the threat of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) seriously, recognizing their potential to harm our ecosystems, economy, and health. These invasive species can disrupt local wildlife and pose risks to our businesses and communities, which is why we are dedicated to implementing strong biosecurity measures at our venues. By doing so, we aim to protect fish populations and minimize the risks associated with these harmful species, ensuring the preservation of our natural resources for everyone.
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.
Confirmation letter:
Congratulations Highbridge Angling Association on achieving the prestigious Bronze AQUA Award for your outstanding commitment to biosecurity at your angling site. This recognition is a testament to your organisation’s dedication to protecting our freshwater ecosystems and promoting responsible angling practices. By implementing robust biosecurity measures, such as the app for kit cleaning, developing your biosecurity plan, putting in washdown stations and dip tanks and disseminating the Check, Clean, Dry biosecurity messaging to all your members, you have not only helped prevent the spread of invasive non-native species, such as the zebra mussel, leaving your site, but also set a commendable standard for others in the sector to follow.
This achievement reflects the hard work and collaboration of your team, especially Ashley Hand, who is a great driver of Check, Clean & Dry and Bryan Webb who was intrinsic to getting all the evidence across to the AQUA panel who were all very impressed by this submission, they stated that your proactive approach to environmental stewardship of the site was impressive and that they look forward to you going for a Gold AQUA award in 3 months time!
Securing the Bronze AQUA Award highlights the effectiveness of your protocols and your determination to safeguard the health of aquatic habitats for future generations. Your leadership in this vital area reinforces the importance of sustainable practices within the angling community, and we applaud your continued efforts to raise awareness and uphold the highest standards of conservation.
Kind regards,
Neil Green – AQUA
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.
To effectively manage invasive species and protect our fisheries, prevention is key, as it is both efficient and cost-effective. Biosecurity measures aim to minimise the risk of these species being introduced or spread, safeguarding native fish populations from competition, predation, and habitat degradation.
In severe cases, invasions can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of fisheries. Additionally, implementing these measures helps protect against the spread of fish diseases and parasites that can also be transmitted through uncleaned equipment. INNS, like zebra mussels, disrupt freshwater ecosystems by outcompeting native species and can easily spread through small fragments or propagules that cling to boats, gear, or clothing, leading to ecological imbalances and challenges for local wildlife.
Here's a list of some of invasive species around our lakes, or other lakes you may visit.
Vertebrates
Plants
Do you know the potential impacts of INNS?
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) have severe impacts, including massive biodiversity loss (driving extinctions), damaging ecosystems, harming human health (rashes, asthma), disrupting agriculture/forestry/water supplies (blocking pipes, reducing crop yields), causing major economic costs (billions annually in the UK), and damaging infrastructure (burrowing crabs affecting flood defences). They compete with natives, spread diseases, and are considered one of the top global threats to nature alongside climate change
What is the estimated cost of INNS to the UK economy each year?
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) cost the UK economy around £4 billion annually, a significant increase from previous estimates, with agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure being heavily impacted, though the figure drops to roughly £1.9 billion when excluding fungi, focusing on species covered by the GB Non-native Species Strategy (GB NNSS). This substantial economic burden, driven by species like Japanese knotweed and signal crayfish, highlights a rising trend in costs, with a 135% increase noted since 2010, emphasizing the need for prevention
Key Figures & Breakdown:
Invasive non-native species (INNS), such as zebra mussels, pose significant threats to freshwater ecosystems by disrupting habitats and outcompeting native species.
These invaders often spread through propagules—small fragments of plants or animals, including seeds, larvae, and eggs—that can easily hitch a ride on boats, fishing gear, or even clothing.
For instance, plant seeds can remain viable for weeks, while fragments of species like floating pennywort can travel unnoticed on equipment. Similarly, animal propagules, such as fertilized fish eggs and zebra mussel larvae, can be transported in water or cling to gear, facilitating their movement into new environments.
This ability to thrive in diverse conditions allows INNS to proliferate rapidly, leading to ecological imbalances and challenges for native wildlife.
Pathways of spread refer to the various actions that enable invasive species to move from one area to another, including public activities, contractor use of water bodies, and fish stocking practices. For the Highbridge Angling Association, understanding these pathways is essential for effectively curbing the spread of invasive species. Biosecurity is crucial in this effort, as it involves a series of actions aimed at preventing the proliferation of invasive non-native species (INNS).
This includes thorough cleaning, disinfection, drying, and continuous monitoring of aquatic environments. Effective biosecurity measures rely on identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to minimize contamination.
The Highbridge Angling Association has set up dedicated wash stations to remove mud, tools, and plant material, while contractors adhere to specific biosecurity plans for different sites. Furthermore, using designated angling nets, slings, and mats at the Walrow complex helps to prevent cross-contamination. By consistently applying these practices, we can safeguard our water bodies and foster sustainable fishing environments, supported by detailed risk assessments recorded in Highbridge Angling's daily logs.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 provides the legal framework to control Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) in the UK, primarily through its Schedule 9, which prohibits releasing or allowing certain species (like Japanese knotweed, signal crayfish, and specific newts) into the wild, with provisions for control orders and agreements to manage their spread, significantly impacting biodiversity, ecosystems, human health (giant hogweed, oak processionary moth), and costing billions economically through damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and waterways, a challenge exacerbated by climate change and global trade.
How it relates to fishing: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) is a key piece of legislation for nature conservation in Great Britain and includes several provisions that relate to fishing, primarily concerning the protection of certain endangered fish species and their habitats, and managing non-native species.
Who enforces the Act? The police, in partnership with Natural England. Local authorities handle issues like planning, land development, and habitat protection, including SSSIs.
How do you report a potential breach? To report a potential invasive species breach, you should use an official reporting system, often a dedicated website, mobile app, or phone hotline managed by government or environmental agencies in your region. The goal is to provide timely, location-specific data with photos to enable a rapid response
Potential penalties: Offences under Section 14 carry:
Invasive alien species regulations
The UK regulates Invasive Alien Species (IAS) primarily through the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, which implements EU rules in England & Wales, making it an offence to keep, breed, or release listed species without permits, backed by penalties like fines or imprisonment; rules focus on preventing introduction, managing widespread species (requiring licences for control/eradication), and managing "Species of Very High Concern," with the GOV.UK Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) leading efforts.
The regulation of invasive species is vital for both anglers and fisheries, as it limits the introduction of non-native species into fishing environments, thereby safeguarding fish populations and ecosystems from potential harm. Angling has been recognised as a key area for action in this regard.
In the UK, the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) regulations significantly influence fishing practices by mandating permits for the introduction of non-native fish, prohibiting unlicensed releases, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures such as the Check, Clean, Dry protocol.
These regulations, enforced by organisations like the Environment Agency and Natural England, aim to prevent ecological disruption and promote the health of native fish species.
When it comes to stocking non-native fish and shellfish, securing the appropriate permits from authorities like Natural England is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid unauthorized introductions. Certain species, including specific crayfish and the topmouth gudgeon, are banned from being kept or released without a license, and violations can lead to penalties.
The Alien and Locally Absent Species Regulations 2011 further stipulate that a comprehensive risk assessment must be conducted before any alien species can be introduced into aquaculture settings.
Anglers are vital in safeguarding local ecosystems. It is crucial to avoid releasing unwanted pets, like aquarium fish or terrapins, into natural habitats, as this can harm native species. To help prevent such disruptions, familiarise yourself with the invasive species in your area and use only approved bait to minimize the risk of introducing non-native organisms. - If you spot any unfamiliar species, please report them to the Environment Agency.
Regulatory compliance is strictly enforced, with organisations like the Environment Agency and Natural England monitoring permits and investigating illegal introductions.
Violating these regulations can lead to significant fines or even imprisonment under laws such as the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019.
The Keeping and Introduction of Fish Regulations 2015 modernised the previous rules under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act and the Import of Live Fish Act to enhance fish stocking procedures. This regulation established a system of single, permanent permits for each fish supplier and site, aimed at preventing non-native species from disrupting local ecosystems.
In England and Wales, permits are mandatory for introducing fish into inland waters, ensuring that species like Wels catfish, Zander, and Grass carp do not negatively impact surrounding fisheries. Non-native fish can only be kept in designated waters to safeguard native fish populations.
The Environment Agency (EA) oversees enforcement in England, while Natural Resources Wales handles it in Wales. Any suspected violations should be reported to the respective agency, with potential penalties including fines of up to £50,000 or even a conviction.
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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