Stock fish into a fishery

This standard is about stocking fish into a fishery. It covers the safe transfer, handling and stocking of fish at the required stocking density. It includes the application of handling methods that maintain welfare by minimising the stress caused to fish; it involves routine and non-routine tasks.  

This standard requires that fish are stocked in a manner appropriate to the following environmental conditions: 

• hot weather
• cold weather
• water level and condition  
• available habitat. 

This standard requires that the fish to be stocked are identified by species type, size and physical condition and are disease-free. 

This standard requires that you carry out work safely, in line with relevant legal and health and safety requirements and that you work to maintain bio-security and minimise environmental disturbance at all times.   

The relevant legislation controlling the application of this standard will vary depending on the location of the fishery – in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.

1. carry out all activities required to safely stock fish into a fishery, in line with relevant health and safety requirements
2. prepare the fish handling and transfer equipment ready for the safe and secure movement of the fish into a fishery
3. select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work, as required
4. check the fish to be stocked to ensure they are in an appropriate condition for release
5. handle fish in a manner that minimises stress
6. transfer and acclimatise fish in a way that minimises stress and takes account of prevailing environmental conditions
7. distribute fish within the fishery at the required stocking density, according to the specification for stocking fish
8. maintain the fish handling equipment in a serviceable condition throughout the stocking process
9. observe the behaviour of newly stocked fish and respond to any signs of stress or disorder
10. sterilise and store fish handling equipment after use
11. dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal requirements
12. maintain required levels of hygiene and bio-security when stocking fish in a fishery
13. maintain accurate information in order to keep up-to-date records of stocking.

1. the relevant health and safety requirements associated with the stocking of fish into a fishery
2. how to maintain the welfare of fish during stocking into a fishery
3. why fish need to be acclimatised before release
4. how to acclimatise fish to maximise their survival rate
5. how to transfer fish, using nets and shoots, to maximise their survival rates
6. how adverse environmental conditions (weather, water conditions) can affect the stocking operation
7. the importance of achieving the required stocking density, according to the specification for stocking fish
8. the relevant legal requirements controlling the movement and stocking of fish
9. signs that indicate stress or disorder in fish
10. the physical features and environmental conditions of a fishery that can impact on stocking levels
11. the importance of hygiene and bio-security and its role in minimising risks to the fishery
12. the correct methods of disposing of surplus materials and/or waste

Environmental conditions:

• hot weather
• cold weather
• water level and condition
• available habitat