Chips4Fish recently found themselves at Peterstone Coarse Fishery near Newport, South Wales at the invitation of the local Environment Agency Wales Environmental Crime Officer Ian Wilson. They were there to talk to the regional media and demonstrate fish identification tagging by microchip.
Peterstone Lakes bought in a number of beautiful common and linear carp for the event as part of their re-stocking programme. These fish were microchipped in front of ITV’s Wales Tonight cameras and regional press. The microchips carry a unique identity number and if any of the fish should be stolen and discovered elsewhere the microchip number will help bring the thief and perhaps the owner of the lake in which they’re found, to justice!
Peterstone’s Fishery Manager, Martin Cronin and a bailiff were trained in microchipping techniques during the day and they will now take on the task of microchipping the rest of the specimen carp in the lakes as they get caught.
Having the fish ‘chipped’ will not only increase the security of the lakes but will give the management a tool that will help monitor the fish stock growth rate, a useful indicator of the health of the lake itself!
Also attending the event was the Police Crime Prevention Officer from Barry and representatives from other welsh angling organisations.
Tony Loveless of Chips4Fish preparing to chip a 9lb common watched by Fishery Manager, Martin Cronin and Peterstone Bailiff Marcus Silcocks
Fishery Manager Martin Cronin releasing a 9lb common carp after chipping
