Guidance for Anglers

Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish, and block waterways and banks interfering with fishing. They can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp clothing and equipment. Once established they become extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate, which is why it is so important to prevent their spread in the first place.

Protect the environment and fishing you enjoy by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals. Find out what you and your club can do below.


Whenever you leave the water, remember to Check Clean Dry
 

Check your gear after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.


Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to nets, waders, and areas that are damp and hard to access. Use hot water if possible.


Dry everything for as long as possible before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for two weeks in damp conditions.

 


Going abroad?

It’s even more important to Check Clean Dry if you’re taking your kit abroad to make sure you don’t bring any plants or animals back with you. Make sure everything is clean and has been dried thoroughly before you use it again at home. Boarder Biosecurity posters.


Resources

Hard copies of posters and leaflets may be available, please contact us for further information.


Posters

Coarse angling

Game angling

Marine angling


Leaflets

Inland Angling

Marine Angling

 

Pocket ID guide

 



Poster or sign for events, clubs and managers of waterbodies

 


Guidance for clubs

There are lots of actions for clubs to help protect the waters they use, why not share these with your paddling club?

Guidance for events

The risk of spreading invasive plants and animals to new water bodies is even higher at events and competitions, where participants could be unknowingly introducing them on their boat and kit, or taking them away to their usual paddling spots. Read more on actions for event managers.


See all Check Clean Dry resources
Invasive Species Northern Ireland

Invasive Species Northern Ireland