Live fish introductions into Inland Waters (other than introductions onto Registered Fish Farm Sites)

Before introducing (stocking) any fish (or fish spawn) into inland waters (including all private fisheries and stillwaters), the written consent of The Environment Agency must be obtained.

The written consent is usually a one-off 'permission' issued for a specified date, site and consignment of fish. This is known as a "Section 30 Consent".

The act of fish stocking is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of fishery management, bringing rewards as well as risks. To gain the best results from any fish introduction, it is essential to plan ahead carefully. This involves having a firm understanding of the processes involved, a clear idea of what can realistically be achieved and, perhaps most importantly, knowing the ultimate aims of the fishery. Stocking fish: a guide for fishery owners and anglers is a simple guide to the benefits, risks and legal requirements of stocking fish.

The Environment Agency's New Category 2 Technical Review Group

See the Technical Review Group page....

The Agency operates a National Section 30 policy, with categorisation based on the type of water to be stocked. This means that there is:

• A National application form for Section 30 applications.

• A National policy for Section 30 administration and requirements.

• Two categories of health check: Mandatory and Non-Mandatory.

The need for prior written consent for all fish introductions is a legal requirement. This applies to any inland water including all private fisheries and stillwaters.

The use of a National policy is designed to help you, the customer. National standards mean that all applications are considered consistently across the country. The rules that govern Section are not different in different parts of England and Wales.

Section 30 Application Procedure

To obtain consent to introduce fish, fry or ova, you will require an application form.

Completed applications should be sent to the Agency's National Fisheries Laboratory at the address stated on the application form, no more than 10 weeks before your planned introduction date and you should allow at least 10 working days for the application to be processed.

More than 10 working days may be needed if:

• a health check is required on the fish;
• the conservation status of the receiving water means the Agency has to consult with an external organisation.

If you are planning to introduce non-native fish species you will require an ILFA/WCA licence from DEFRA or WAG as well as a section 30 consent. The ILFA/WCA licence may take up to 2 months to process.

Health Checks

As part of the consenting procedure the Environment Agency considers the effects that the fish stocking will have on the receiving and adjacent water; including things like health, fish ecology and the ecology of other animals and plants.

One of the biggest perceived risks when stocking fish is that the fish will carry diseases into the receiving water. Bitter experience has shown that entire fisheries can be wiped out by disease, even when apparently healthy fish were introduced. The Agency has a duty to balance the need to protect fish stocks with the need to allow individual fishery owners to manage their fish stocks where the risk to other fisheries is minimal.

The fish you intend to introduce may need to have a health check. This depends on the location and type of site you plan to introduce them to.

Mandatory health checks will be required where fish are to be introduced into rivers, streams, drains or canals or where the risk of fish movement into or from the receiving water is likely. This will provide the maximum protection for existing stocks. On receipt of a completed application the local Agency Fisheries Officer will tell you whether or not a health check is required before he allows stocking under Section 30.

Health checks will not normally be required in waters where the risk of fish escape is minimal (e.g. enclosed waters). Such health checks are normally non-mandatory (voluntary) but there may be occasions where the Agency will still insist on a health examination.

How to get your fish health checked

Regardless of the Agency's requirement for health checks it is essential that the health of fish be established before any stocking is carried out. Simple guidelines can be found in the "Stocking fish" guide (PDF File, 692K) or the "Buyer Beware"- 10 point code copies of both are also available from the Environment Agency or Defra.

In order to protect fisheries and prevent dissemination of Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) the Environment Agency has classed KHV as a novel pathogen and an information leaflet can be found here.

Who do I contact if I need to discuss Section 30 issues?

Your first line of contact should be via your local Agency Fisheries Officer however if you have enquiries about specific health issues please feel free to contact the Fish Health Team, based at the Environment Agency National Fisheries Laboratory on 01480 414581 or by fax on 01480 433873 or by email.

Offences and Penalties

Under Section 30, Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975*

* Including an amendment under Section 34, Salmon Act 1986
** The authority is the consenting authority, ie The Environment Agency

Failure to meet this obligation is a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution, with a fine of up to £2,500.