Anglers are asked for fishy facts

Scientists are enlisting the help of anglers for a study into the condition of fish found in the river estuaries along the coast of north-east England.

Experts at Newcastle University's Dove Marine research laboratory want to find out if pollutants entering the sea from rivers are affecting aquatic life.

Anglers will fish for flounder in different locations and scientists will measure and record their catch.

The angler who has caught the longest flounder will receive a prize.

The flounder is commonly found in estuaries off the North Sea coast and anglers had been expressing concern about the numbers of diseased fish they catch.

Environmental factors

Experts hope to learn whether pollutants are to blame and if the problems are worse in some rivers than others.

They are holding flounder fishing competitions over six weekends between the end of August and the beginning of October.

Project leader, Dr Vicky Armitage said: "While we can use our research vessel to fish in the Wear and Tyne estuaries, the Wansbeck, Blyth and Tweed estuaries are not deep enough, so we need the help of the region's sea anglers."

Dr Margaret Gill, a lecturer in Marine Sciences at Newcastle University said: "This will provide us with an excellent opportunity to see if the size, condition and abundance of flounder differ from location to location.

"If there are variations, we may be able to begin to identify and understand the environmental factors responsible for them."

The winner will receive a cash prize, or the chance to travel to Norway with the Dove Marine research team to take part in a European survey.