Numbers of salmon leap in rivers

Work has been done to protect salmon stocks

Salmon are expected to reach record numbers in the north-east of England this year, the Environment Agency says.

Anglers have reported large quantities and these are backed by Agency patrols which say spawning has occurred in larger numbers than ever before.

There have been a number of schemes in rivers across the region to protect stocks including covert surveillance operations to catch poachers.

There have also been improvements to water quality and wildlife habitats.

'Success story'

The Agency says the Tyne is already regarded as the best salmon river in England and Wales and this season has also seen a big increase in salmon caught on the Wear and Coquet.

Agency fisheries enforcement team leader Kevin Summerson said: "Enforcement officers at the Environment Agency have worked hard on rivers across the North East to protect current stocks.

"There have been more covert surveillance operations thanks to the increase in tip-offs from the public which has helped us to catch poachers in the act.

"Improvements to the water quality and wildlife habitats over the last few years and the reduction in commercial drift net use has also contributed to the region's salmon success story which means good news for anglers, tourism and the local economy."