Biosecurity
The well-being of our waterways and coasts is being endangered as never before by invasive non-native species. These can cause serious environmental and economic damage. As anglers, we need to play our part in preventing or reducing their spread by following biosecurity advice.
Simple procedures will have a very positive effect and can be followed at little or no cost:
• It is essential to wash and dry tackle, kit, boats, nets and trailers before moving from one body of water to another.
• Desiccation, or drying, is effective against most invasive species.
• Drain all water from boats, including bilges, lockers and areas that are difficult to access.
• Scrape off any plants or animals stuck to the hull or on kit such as anchors, warps and ropes. Place this matter in a bin destined for landfill.
• The use of mufflers is recommended for disinfecting outboard motors.
• Boat hulls, bilges, equipment and trailers should be washed down before launch and after recovery.
These are good habits to develop and, if done regularly and promptly, should increase our chances of ensuring healthy biodiversity in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. While the majority of anglers do heed biosecurity advice, the failure to do so by even a few could cause harm to our environment and our valuable fish stocks.
At Loughs Agency we take biosecurity seriously – watch this short video to find out more.