New by-law to help protect salmon

A new by-law aimed at protecting salmon and sea trout along a stretch of Cumbrian coastline has been introduced by the Environment Agency.

The new ruling makes it illegal to fish for the species using nets along 60 miles of coast in West Cumbria.

Fish in these waters are making their way back from their feeding grounds at sea to the rivers in which they were born in order to spawn.

It is hoped the by-law will help boost river salmon stocks.

The Agency said many rivers in England and Wales are struggling to meet conservation standards for salmon and preventing fishing with nets is a step towards boosting river salmon stocks and improving control over their management.

The by-law was introduced after a period of public consultation, during which no objections were received.