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Implement a fish rescue operation

URN: LANFiM24
Business Sectors (Suites): Fisheries Management,Incident Management in the Land-based Sector
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2023

Overview

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This standard is about implementing a fish rescue operation to remove fish from danger. This is usually achieved by using a combination of electrofishing and netting to safely capture and relocate fish. Once fish are caught, they are temporarily held and then transferred to an agreed location.

The standard also  includes setting up the fishing area and preparing the electrofishing equipment together with the nets and the holding units used to hold and transfer live fish. 

There is sometimes a need to lower water levels to assist with fish rescue.

This standard requires that you carry out work safely, in line with the relevant legal and health and safety requirements, and that you work to maintain biosecurity 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.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out all the activities required to safely implement a fish rescue operation in line with relevant health and safety requirements
  2. select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work  
  3. clarify the requirements for the fish rescue operation
  4. assess the water conditions (i.e. visibility, water flow, depth) to determine the most appropriate fish-catching methods to employ
  5. prepare and maintain fish-catching equipment to the required standard
  6. prepare the fishing area to facilitate fish rescue and minimise fish escapes
  7. prepare suitable fish holding units to receive and maintain the condition of captured fish, including providing aeration where required 
  8. undertake a risk assessment to determine if it is safe to electrofish
  9. confirm that the relevant licences/permits to carry out electrofishing are in place before commencing the activity
  10. use fish-catching equipment safely to capture, but not harm, the fish
  11. handle captured fish in a manner that minimises stress
  12. establish the fish safely in fish-holding units
  13. monitor and observe the fish and report signs of stress, disorder or abnormality to the appropriate person
  14. maintain effective communication with all those involved in the fish rescue operation
  15. report any problems with the fish rescue operation to the appropriate person
  16. sterilise and store fish-catching equipment after use, in accordance with fishery and legal requirements
  17. maintain suitable levels of biosecurity when catching fish

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the relevant health and safety requirements associated with fish rescue and the use of electrofishing
  2. the importance of using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
  3. the relevant legal fish-catching methods and the different situations where they may be applied
  4. how to determine the most appropriate fish-catching method for the fish being rescued and the water conditions
  5. how to prepare and maintain appropriate fish-catching equipment in a safe operating condition
  6. how the area should be prepared to facilitate fish rescue and minimise fish escapes
  7. how to select and prepare suitable holding units
  8. how to carry out a risk assessment to determine if it is safe to use electrofishing to catch fish
  9. the correct licences/permits required to carry out electrofishing
  10. why it is important to the electrofishing process to have sight of all the people involved in the electrofishing activity 
  11. water conductivity and its importance to the setup and effective use of electrofishing equipment
  12. why it is important to remove fish quickly from the electric field when using electrofishing
  13. how and when fish-catching equipment can damage fish
  14. how to handle captured fish and establish them safely in the holding units
  15. when holding units require aeration and how this can be provided
  16. how to recognise signs of stress, disorder or abnormality in captured fish
  17. the importance of maintaining communication during a fish rescue and the best way to do this
  18. the importance of biosecurity and its role in minimising risks during fish rescue and relocation

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANFiM24

Relevant Occupations

Ghillie, Angling Guide, Fishery Manager, Senior Fishery Manager

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

fish; fishery; rescue