With Koi Herpes Virus the latest in a number of threats to UK carp stocks the Carp Society has taken the decision to eliminate all risk from their prestigious Horseshoe Lake by banning the use of carp sacks and preventing anglers from bringing their own landing nets, weigh slings and unhooking mats onto site.
“Whilst there is no direct evidence of the transfer of viral matter between carp populations on equipment the possibility of spread by this means cannot be discounted.” said Society spokesman Ian Welch. “The use of dips is ineffective unless tanks are refreshed regularly with equipment left to soak for several minutes and we cannot rely on all anglers being able to thoroughly dry their kit between sessions.”
Given the inability of fisheries to adequately police procedures and with constant new threats to UK carp populations the Carp Society have taken the fish care lead and, in conjunction with sponsorship from Wychwood Tackle, are providing nets, slings and unhooking mats to all anglers on site with effect from 01 August.
Carp Society Commercial Manager David Mannall commented, “The Carp Society has always preached and taught good fish care and we are now taking it a step further to ensure the safety of our carp.”
The use of carp sacks on Society waters is now totally prohibited.
For further information contact the Carp Society on 01367 253969 or Ian Welch on 07780 755138
