Fingerlings are carefully packed for transport in heavy-duty plastic bags containing clean water and pure oxygen. These bags are then placed inside insulated polystyrene boxes to maintain stable conditions during transit. While the fish can safely remain in this packaging for several hours, it is important to remove them from the bags as soon as possible upon arrival, as fish confined in bags are typically under some level of stress.
Until you are ready to release the fish, keep them in a shaded area. Exposure to direct sunlight can quickly raise the temperature inside the bags, leading to overheating and potentially harming the fish. Proper handling during this stage is essential to ensure their health and survival.
Before releasing the fish into your dam or water body, it is necessary to equalise the temperature between the transport water and the receiving environment. The best way to do this is to place the sealed plastic bags on the surface of the dam and allow them to float for 5 to 10 minutes. This gradual process helps reduce thermal shock.
Once the temperature has equalised, open the bag and slowly introduce dam water into it using a jug over a period of about two minutes. This allows the fish to adjust to the new water conditions. After acclimatisation, the fish will begin to drift out of the bag naturally. Gently lift the corners of the bag to assist them if needed, allowing them to swim out at their own pace.
After release, observe the fish briefly to ensure they regain their bearings and disperse comfortably into their new environment and slip safely out of sight.