164. The welfare of fish in transit by road should be checked at intervals not exceeding four and a half hours, the duration before which a commercial driver is obliged to take a break under road traffic legislation.
165. Fish in transit should be in conditions which will allow them to survive a journey at least 50 per cent longer than the anticipated duration.
166. Both the salmon and trout industries should give consideration to the need for Codes of Practice on transport which refer directly to fish welfare.
167. Crowding before collection for transport or killing should not be so prolonged or severe that unnecessary suffering is caused.
168. Oxygen levels must be constantly monitored and drivers should have the facility to adjust levels from the cab. Carbon dioxide should not be allowed to rise to levels which harm the fish.
169. Excessive changes in water temperature and pH in transport tanks must be avoided.
170. Transport containers should be cleaned and disinfected after conveyance of each consignment of fish.
171. Fish must be checked before transport and unfit or unhealthy fish must not be transported.
172. We endorse the requirement of the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994 (as amended) that a written record must accompany fish during transport.
173. Nets used for catching and handling fish must not injure the skin or fins of the fish, for example they should be knotless.