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Post by beachball on Sept 7, 2011 18:52:23 GMT
I was just wondering what the working relationship between yourselves and the R.S.P.C.A is like as it seems they don't seem to have much interest in cruelty to fish which after all is also an animal. I have seen fish gasping for air in overstocked ponds lacking in oxygen but nothing seems to be done shouldn't they help you enforce fish safety and healthy practices within the fishery industry. regards Malc.
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Post by beachball on Sept 8, 2011 7:42:42 GMT
Also on this question it has been bought to our attention that a number of publications are showing pictures of fish being held in cloths to have pictures taken, now i have always been told it is bad for the fish to do this so shouldn't yourselves and the R.S.P.C.A be talking to these magazines and getting them to stop publishing pictures of such things to dissuade others from copying the practice ? best regards Malc.
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Post by envagencyyorkshire on Sept 8, 2011 12:14:33 GMT
Hi Malc This is a really good question. We don’t routinely work with the RSPCA but I’ve spoken to them this morning and I’ll be e-mailing their specialists about this issue. Currently we can refuse consents to introduce more fish where we have robust evidence where stock levels are already high, for example, through recent surveys and looking at stocking history. Of course, with good husbandry such as aeration, supplementary feeding and water exchange, it is possible to keep fish in a good environment in higher numbers. This makes it very difficult for us to prove that the fish are suffering. Unfortunately we have very limited powers as an organisation to enforce good welfare. However, we are always available to offer advice and in some cases assistance to fishery owners who contact us who are experiencing problems. In addition, we will contact fishery owners should we get any reports of fish in distress to offer any help we can.. Many fisheries tend to be privately owned and therefore the responsibility does sit with the owners on how they manage their fishery.. With regard to handling fish in cloths, as long as the cloth is wet this shouldn’t cause the fish long term injury. Our advice would be that fish are handled in wet hands to minimise the loss of the protective slime layer but if this isn’t practical then a damp/wet cloth is acceptable. We do have a webpage dedicated to good practice when angling for both fish and wildlife. The information has been produced in consultation with responsible angling organisations and the RSPCA. You can view this by clicking on the following link www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/31487.aspxThe Environment Agency, together with the Institute of Fisheries Management, Professional Coarse Fisheries Association and the Angling Foundation, are supporting the Fisheries Accreditation Scheme. This award recognises fisheries that have achieved excellent standards for criteria including water quality, fish health and habitat. More information on this scheme can be viewed at www.fisheriesaccreditation.co.uk/Andy Sadler – Team Leader - Fish movements
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Post by beachball on Sept 8, 2011 13:26:53 GMT
As you have said you have rather limited powers over the enforcement of good husbandry if we were to come across a fishery where fish have been seen to be in a stressed condition on a ragular basis would it be worth contacting the RSPCA or is that what you are awaiting an answer on best regards Malc.
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Post by envagencyyorkshire on Sept 8, 2011 13:32:15 GMT
Hi Malc
This is the answer I'm waiting for.
Pete
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Post by beachball on Sept 8, 2011 13:42:09 GMT
Hi Malc This is the answer I'm waiting for. Pete Thanks Pete i'll await an answer with you with "BAITED" breath lol and thanks for such a concise answer, regards Malc. ;D
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Post by envagencyyorkshire on Sept 8, 2011 13:43:29 GMT
Glad to be of service.
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