Catch fish from a fishery

This standard is about catching fish from a fishery, following a relevant specification.  It covers determining the most appropriate way of catching fish as well as the preparation of the equipment to be used to safely catch and hold live fish. It includes the application of safe catching and handling methods that minimise the stress caused to fish. 

It also covers the maintenance of the captured fish in holding units.  

FIM9 does not cover catching fish using electrofishing methods, this is covered in FIM10. 

Those catching the fish from a fishery will work for the fishery. 

This standard requires the use of the following catch methods: 

• nets  
• hook and line  
• traps  
• pond drain down  

This standard requires that you carry out work safely, in line with relevant legal, 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 the activities required to safely catch fish from a fishery, in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
2. select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work required
3. obtain the relevant fish-catching specification
4. obtain the necessary licences/permits (if required) to allow the catching of fish
5. assess the water conditions (i.e. visibility, water flow, depth) to determine the most appropriate catch method to employ
6. prepare and maintain fish-catching equipment to the required standard of the fishery
7. prepare fish holding units to receive and maintain the condition of captured fish
8. use relevant catching methods to catch fish
9. establish the fish safely in fish holding unit(s)
10. handle captured fish in a manner that minimises stress
11. monitor and observe fish and report on signs of stress, disorder or abnormality to the appropriate person
12. observe the performance of the fish-catching operation, ensuring compliance with the relevant fish-catching specification
13. maintain effective communication with all those involved in fish catching
14. report any problems with the fish-catching operation to the appropriate person
15. sterilise and store fish-catching equipment after use, in accordance with fishery and legal requirements
16. maintain suitable levels of bio-security when catching fish from the fishery

1. the relevant health and safety requirements associated with catching fish and the use of holding methods
2. the relevant legal fish-catching methods and the different situations where they may be applied
3. why fish are caught as part of fisheries management operations
4. how, when and from whom to apply for consent to catch fish
5. how to determine the most appropriate fish-catching method for the fishery and the water conditions
6. the fish-catching equipment that is required for use on a fishery
7. how to prepare and maintain appropriate fish-catching equipment in a safe operating condition
8. how and when fish-catching equipment can damage fish
9. the environmental conditions required for holding captured fish
10. the advantages and disadvantages of different fish-catching methods and their use in different situations
11. how different fish-catching methods can impact on the aquatic environment
12. the potential impact of adverse environmental conditions on the fish-catching operation
13. how to recognise the condition of fish (physical appearance and mobility)
14. the importance of bio-security and its role in minimising risks to the fishery

Catching methods:

• nets
• hook and line
• traps
• pond drain down