15-Jun-2006
- The Environment Agency in Northumbria has launched
a coarse angler’s logbook for the upcoming season
to aid its research into fish stocks in the area
and angling participation.
Anglers in the North East are
being called on to keep a log of their fishing
during the season to help the Environment Agency
understand more about the extent of fishing in
the area and the size and diversity of fish populations.
In the past, traditional survey
techniques such as electric fishing and netting
have given only limited information on fish stocks
because these methods are less effective in fast
flowing rivers like the Tyne and Wear and larger
stillwaters.
Fisheries technical specialist,
Phil Rippon at the Environment Agency said: “Angler’s
catches provide a wealth of information that can
be missed using traditional methods. Using this
data we will be able to assess fish populations
much more accurately.”
The information from the logbooks will help to
identify priorities for fish conservation and
help toward improving access and restocking programmes.
It will also contribute to the Environment Agency’s
continuing campaign to promote angling as a healthy
and active pastime.
Anglers who complete and return a logbook will
be entered into a prize draw to win fishing tackle
worth up to £1,000. Copies of the results
will also be sent to those who take part in the
scheme.
The North East Anglers coarse
log book can be obtained at local fishing tackle
shops, or by contacting the Environment Agency
on 0191 2034149.
Alexandra Wales
