Fish get chipped to protect stock

Mar 14 2008 by Katie Bodinger, South Wales Echo

MOST people wouldn’t expect fish to come with chips before they have even been caught.

But carp at Peterstone Lake, near St Mellons, were just that after being fitted with the latest crime-fighting technology.

The 2mm microchips were put under their scales with unique identity numbers. It is believed they are the first fish in Wales to receive the chips.

Fisheries manager for Environment Agency Wales, Andy Schofield, said the scheme could be a useful tool in beating criminals.

“Fishing tourism is worth more than £100m in Wales every year,” he said.

“But criminals are taking these valuable fish, often during the night.

“By tagging the fish they can be more easily traced and it should act as a deterrent to anyone thinking of breaking the law.

“Fishing is big business but it is being undermined by people doing it illegally.”

The initiative is being supported by Environment Agency Wales with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Fisheries Fund.

The microchips are inserted underneath the scales and will be kept there for the life of the animal.

As well as preventing fish from being moved, the size and health of the fish can also be monitored more easily.

The electronic devices were fitted by Eastbourne-based company Chips 4 Fish and it is hoped more fishery owners will take up the scheme to protect their stock.

Andy added they were always appealing for any information about possible stolen fish.

“We rely on members of the public telling us. Every snippet of information builds up a bigger picture,” he said.

Owner of Chips 4 Fish, Tony Loveless, said: “We have already had several phone calls from interested fishery owners,” he said.

If you have any information about fish being stolen, contact Environment Agency Wales on 0800 80 70 60.

katie.bodinger@mediawales.co.uk