PROGRESS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Following a meeting in December between representatives from CEFAS, ECHO and the Environment Agency, firm proposals on two specific research projects have now been submitted to ECHO. It is anticipated that, if agreed, this work will be jointly funded by ECHO and Defra (including CEFAS and the EA). It will be the first time such an arrangement has been applied to the fight against fish disease and illustrates the increasing willingness of all parties to work together to prevent disease.

The projects, which were chosen by ECHO, involve research into the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV), and the syndrome referred to as ‘Spring Carp Mortality’ and will be undertaken by staff at the CEFAS and Environment Agency laboratories in Weymouth and Brampton.

Both agencies see this work as an excellent opportunity to work closely with the angling fraternity on issues which are of fundamental importance to all concerned in protecting the health of our fish against the spread of disease, and conserving them for future generations. To this end the scientists will be looking for the support and co-operation of anglers and fishery owners to report mortalities, and provide relevant information as the projects progress.