New research on carp care products and changes to our lake rules
At Beausoleil, fish welfare has always been our highest priority.
For many years we have recommended the use of antiseptic treatments on hook holds and body wounds before returning fish to the water. Like many fisheries, this guidance was based on accepted best practice within the angling industry and the belief that treating wounds would reduce the risk of infection and improve healing.
However, new scientific research published recently has challenged some of these assumptions.
Researchers from De Montfort University tested a range of carp care products commonly used by anglers. The study examined how effective these products were against fish pathogens, how well they adhered underwater and what effect they had on carp cells in laboratory testing.
The findings were surprising.
Several products showed little or no effectiveness against the pathogens tested, while some products demonstrated toxicity towards carp cells. The researchers concluded that many products currently marketed for carp wound treatment require further investigation and that better testing standards are needed throughout the industry.
Importantly, the study did not compare wound healing rates in live carp, so it does not prove that any particular product helps or hinders healing in real world conditions. However, it raises legitimate questions about some products that have become widely accepted within carp fishing.
The study also identified povidone iodine products, such as Betadine, as having antimicrobial activity against several of the pathogens tested.
What does this mean at Beausoleil?
We have decided to update our rules on the use of carp care products.
Our rules currently say:
“The use of antiseptic on hook holds and body care treatment such as Propolis on any other wounds is compulsory.”
We have updated them to this:
“The fishery provides povidone iodine (Betadine) for the treatment of significant mouth or body wounds. Anglers are encouraged to use the treatment provided and follow the fish care guidance issued by the fishery.”
Unlike all carp care products, Betadine is already a proven, regulated antiseptic used to treat skin infections for humans and animals. It can be sourced from the pharmacy or the vets. Its iodine content eliminates bacteria and inhibits their growth, helping to protect scratches and skin wounds from becoming infected.
This new research is not recommending the use of any product, so this is very much our personal view for the time being, until further studies are conducted.
At this stage, we are not banning commercially available carp care products. The science is still developing and further research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn regarding many of the products currently on the market.
The Bigger Picture
While the debate around carp care products continues, one point is clear: the environment in which a fish lives plays a major role in its ability to recover from injury.
Good water quality, strong oxygen levels, careful fish handling, minimal time spent out of the water and rapid return to the water remain the cornerstones of fish welfare.
Over recent years we have invested heavily in improving water quality and fish welfare at Beausoleil. We have also witnessed recovery from hook holds, spawning damage and even catfish inflicted wounds. Whether that recovery is due to carp care products, improved environmental conditions or a combination of both remains unclear. What is clear is that healthy fish living in a healthy environment stand the best chance of recovering from injury.
As further research and guidance becomes available, we will continue to adjust our advice and guidelines.
For more information
Read this very good summary on the research paper done by Angling Times:
https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/news/stories/are-anglers-accidentally-harming-carp/
Here’s the link to the actual research paper:
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9496/6/2/19
