ECHO give assurances that there is nothing "dodgy" about the transaction you mention. The importation of carp from Australia to England or Ireland, is a legally viable one, subject to standard requirements upon entry to each country. ECHO understands that at this point, there is no reason that refusal will be given. Many thorough tests have been carried out in Australia, prior to importation to the UK, and the relevant authorities have been working closely on this proposition, and ECHO has voiced concerns throughout this process. To our recent knowledge, neither Ireland nor England has been a recipient of an import of carp from Australia to date. That is the current situation as I understand it.
The choice to stock carp from Australia, may very soon be in the hands of fishery owners, either in Ireland or England. Supply will always feed demand, but commercial supplies can create a demand!
ECHO advises potential buyers to seek independent fishery management when making a decision to purchase, and that an indiidual assessment is made of their fishery, and all of their questions have been answered.
The trade of fish is mostly,unegulated, and buyers must be informed, if disasters are to be avoided. ANY stocking is risky, any risks must be well calculated in stocking carp originating from Australia.
Ruth Lockwood
The English Carp Heritage Organisation
www.echocarp.co.uk
echocarp@hotmail.com
