River fish stunned over surveys

Fish in rivers across North Yorkshire are being stunned during a series of surveys to assess their populations.

Trained officers from the Environment Agency will use electro-fishing methods to temporarily knock the fish out so they can be counted and measured.

A small number of their scales will also be removed to assess their age and growth rates.

Most species of fish will be caught as part of the weekend studies at rivers including the Wharfe, Ouse and Nidd.

Electro-fishing involves passing a current through the water to stun the fish so they can be caught without causing them any distress.

An Environment Agency spokesman said the surveys were invaluable for creating future plans to improve the local environment.