Wildlife

Carp Welfare in Recreational Angling

Carp are the most popular target species for coarse anglers and face significant welfare risks from poor handling practices.

Key Facts

Over 2 million carp anglers fish in the UK making it one of the most popular sports
Carp can live over 60 years and grow to weights exceeding 40 kilograms
They are highly intelligent fish that can learn to avoid nets and baited hooks
Catch and release is standard practice in UK coarse fishing
Carp can suffer from bacterial and fungal infections following poor handling

Welfare Considerations

Carp welfare is affected by handling practices during catch and release. Fish held out of water too long suffer oxygen deprivation and stress. Wet unhooking mats reduce scale damage but are not universally used. Knotted landing nets damage the mucous coat that protects fish from disease. Deeply hooked fish suffer internal injury. Overcrowding in club waters and carp stress shows from poor water quality.

What You Can Do

Always use a wet unhooking mat and barbless hooks to minimise injury
Return fish to water promptly keeping out-of-water time under 60 seconds
Report poor welfare practices at your fishery to the Environment Agency
Support Angling Trust welfare guidelines and encourage their adoption at clubs
Test water quality before fishing and avoid heavily stressed fish in poor water