News

Customs officers at Eurotunnel seized 45 live carp, each weighing between 20 and 35 pounds, which were being imported into Great Britain from France on Sunday afternoon.

As part of an ongoing operation Inspectors from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in the UK were called in to support the officers.

Fish Health Inspectors (FHIs), based at Cefas, interviewed the driver on his arrival at Folkestone, where he was found to be attempting to import live fish without any fish health certification, which is legally required under the Fish Health Regulations 1997.

The driver was unable to produce the required fish health certificate the fish were confiscated and humanely slaughtered, to prevent the potential spread of disease to UK waters.

Samples taken from the consignment are being examined at the Cefas laboratory in Weymouth, Dorset. The FHI checks that such fish do not carry diseases that could seriously impact on the health of native fish.

A man has been reported for the offence of introducing into Great Britain live fish, namely Cyprinus Carpio (carp), when they were not accompanied by valid movement documents (ie, a health certificate) contrary to Regs11(1) of the Fish Health Regulations 1997. The matter is likely to be considered by magistrates in the New Year.