http://www.cleanangling.org

http://www.cleanboatingpledge.org

http://www.fedflyfishers.org

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

Winter—the time for daydreams
of that exotic fishing
trip, getting to that remote
destination for some
down time and working on
that new fishing experience
of a lifetime. The plans, the
gear, the anticipated fishing,
all create an excitement
that overrides any thoughts
of cleaning. Cleaning?
Right. Felt-soled waders are
essentially a sponge for all
kinds of dirt, critters and
plants. Using dirty gear is
a way that we as anglers
can spread aquatic invasive
species to new waters. So
making sure your waders
are clean before you travel
is just an easy thing for the
travel checklist. More than
just a travel precaution, it’s
a good idea to get in the
habit of cleaning your gear
after every fishing trip, even
on your home waters.
Aquatic invasive species
are plants, animals or microscopic
creatures that, when
introduced to new waters,
can outcompete native
species and harm natural
habitats. Aquatic invasive
species are the single greatest
FEDERATION OF FLY FISHERS
threat to the integrity of our
natural resources—both
economically and biologically.
The U. S. government
spends billions of dollars
controlling species once
they have been introduced.
Biologically, over 400
endangered or threatened
species are at risk because of
competition or predation
from non-native invaders.
Preventing introductions
will help alleviate the economic
and biological threat
upon our native species and
natural resources.
Other countries spend
considerable money and
have launched full-scale
education efforts to protect
their natural resources,
including the highly sought
after fishing destination of
New Zealand. The invasive
freshwater algae didymo
was introduced to New
Zealand in 2004, which
triggered a large-scale
prevention strategy against
the introduction of aquatic
invasive species. Here is
what the government of
New Zealand requires for
incoming gear that will be
Pete “Van” Gytenbeek
Travelling Anglers Take The Pledge
used in freshwater.
Used equipment associated
with freshwater aquatic
animals or freshwater activities
from any country
may be given biosecurity
clearance provided all of the
following requirements are
met: 1. The equipment is
visibly clean and visibly free
from contamination with organic
material such as algae,
animal parts, blood, faeces,
fatty tissues, feathers, flesh,
fungal material, hair, plant
parts, seeds, soil, weeds,
wool and biofouling or other
aquatic organisms; and 2. All
parts of the equipment are
completely dry on arrival in
New Zealand.
The take-home message
today is before you travel
anywhere to fish, clean all
of your gear to prevent the
spread and introduction
of invasive species. Some
other ideas to consider:
Rent gear when you travel,
use rubber-soled boots
that are easier to clean, or
alternate between two sets
of gear. The Federation
of Fly Fishers asks you to
join them in the Clean
An aquatic invasive species causing
trouble in prime fishing rivers around the
world is the unappealing “rock-snot.”
Angling Pledge and the
Clean Boating Pledge. The
pledges are simple commitments
to inspect your
gear and equipment, clean
your gear with fresh water
and then allow it to dry.
We can all help prevent the
spread of invasive species.
Make sure you have fun on
your next trip to the wilds
of Mongolia, New Zealand
or Alaska, but don’t
forget that you can make
a big difference in protecting
our fisheries. Take the
next step in protecting
our fisheries resources and
fishing opportunities for
the future— take the Clean
Angling Pledge and the
Clean Boating Pledge.
To take the pledge and
learn more about cleaning
your gear, just log on to
www.cleanangling.org or
cleanboatingpledge.org
Pete “Van” Gytenbeek
is the Executive Director
of the Federation of Fly
Fishers (FFF). Send
Van your comments at
www.fedflyfishers.org