IADA launches NO DIP NO DRAW campaign

The Irish Angling Development Alliance (IADA) has recently launched a proactive biosecurity initiative, supported and endorsed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).  The NO DIP NO DRAW campaign ensures that any angler competing in an IADA-run competition will have fully disinfected equipment and clothing before taking part.  Disinfection helps to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species and fish pathogens into our waterways, stopping these invaders from negatively impacting on fish stocks and degrading habitats.  The IADA were first alerted to the urgent need for biosecurity in Ireland’s waterways at a recent coarse angling festival where IFI presented dramatic footage of the infestation of the invasive shellfish, the Asian Clam, Corbicula fluminea, in the River Barrow.  The Asian Clam was first recorded in Ireland in 2010 and has already established extensive populations along the lower reaches of the River Barrow and River Nore.

The IADA campaign covers adult and junior competitions and also promotes home disinfection and biosecurity at club-run competitions by providing procedures on its website.  Inland Fisheries Ireland extends its full support to this initiative and would like to encourage all angling federations, clubs and individual anglers to adopt similar procedures and to continue to be bioaware.  New biosecurity best practice procedures developed by IFI are now available on the Inland Fisheries Ireland websites. Check out www.fisheriesireland.ie/invasive-species/ , www.caisie.ie and  www.irishangling.ie for more information.