31-Aug-2006
- Environment Agency officers will be releasing
thousands of fish into the River Browney to boost
stocks in the region’s rivers.
Around 3,000 Grayling will be
brought from the Environment Agency’s fish farm
in Nottinghamshire and released into the Browney
at three locations, between Lanchester and Durham,
on Monday, September 4.
The Browney has suffered from
urban pollution in the past, but the stream is
now recovering and officers hope the restocking
will further improve its ecology.
The exercise will also increase
stocks in the River Wear which the Browney discharges
into, and improve angling opportunities.
Fisheries specialist Phil Rippon
said: "Grayling is native to the River Wear
and we want to see their numbers increase in that
part of the catchment. Because the Browney is
now healthier and its water quality has improved,
the stream is the ideal place to release the fish
and give it a new lease of life."
The exercise is part of a three-year
programme which targets rivers and stillwaters
that would benefit most from restocking.
Anglers in the region are also
being called on to keep a log of their fishing
during the season to help the Environment Agency
monitor coarse fish populations.
The information from the log
books will help officers to understand the extent
of fishing in the area, and the size and types
of fish populations. This will then be used to
boost fish conservation and access to rivers.
The North East Anglers coarse
log book can be obtained at local fishing tackle
shops, or by contacting the Environment Agency
on 0191 203 4149.
Francesca Glyn-Jones
