THE Environment Agency has set up a scheme with the leading angling societies in Yorkshire to increase their knowledge of stocks.

The scheme should also benefit junior anglers in the York and Leeds area.

As part of continued scientific research into the region's rivers the agency analyses the results from angling matches. This information, along with its routine surveys, gives an insight into the fish populations of local rivers.

However, over recent years the numbers of match returns submitted by angling clubs have declined and a lot of vital information has been lost.

Now the agency will make a financial contribution to the junior angling sections of the leading societies involved for each match return they submit.

Paul Frear, Environment Agency Fishery Scientist, said: "The information from match returns is a very useful tool in describing fish populations and highlighting locations where there are problems.

"Making a contribution to junior angling encourages the clubs to submit their match returns and as a result benefits junior angling, which in turn will protect the future of the sport.

"We are currently concentrating our efforts on waters controlled by York & District Amalgamation of Anglers and Leeds & District Amalgamated Society of Anglers, who have been working hard chasing up match results from their many affiliated clubs.

"The response so far has been excellent with hundreds of match returns already received with a total of £2,000 already allocated towards junior angling."

Angling clubs affiliated to either York Amalgamation or Leeds ASA are reminded that to get the most from the scheme they must submit their match returns promptly. Any others interested in joining the scheme should contact Paul Frear at the Agency's York office for more information.

A clampdown on salmon poachers in North Yorkshire has been announced following reports of an increase in numbers of fish returning to the rivers.

Environment Agency officers will carry out extra enforcement checks along the Ouse, Ure, Esk and Tees in the next two months in a bid to protect returning salmon and sea trout. Surveillance cameras have also been set up at key locations.

John Shannon, Fisheries Team Leader, said: "It's important to stop the illegal capture of these wonderful fish, so they can go on to produce the next generation. Numbers are finally increasing in the Ouse system, but only slowly, and if we want this rosy picture to continue then these fish must be allowed to reach their spawning grounds.

"We're keeping a close eye on the waters and taking a strong line against anyone caught poaching salmon and sea trout. We ask legitimate anglers to return any fish caught to the water unharmed to continue their journey."

The trout fishing season ended last weekend, whereas the salmon and sea trout fishing season continues until the end of this month, and anglers are being urged that if they are going out to catch these fish they need an appropriate Environment Agency rod licence.

Anglers cannot use a normal coarse fish and trout rod licence to catch salmon or sea trout. Anybody unsure of the rules should check with the Environment Agency prior to fishing.

Weekend Bookings

Saturday: Donkeywoods - Local. Sunday: Claxton - Burton Stone, Poppleton - Clifton, Beningbrough Park - New Earswick, Donkeywoods - Seahorse, Fulford and Palace Ings - CIU, Acaster - YAA, All Howsham - Bishopthorpe and Acaster, Paradise Farm - Pudsey

Updated: 11:03 Friday, October 18, 2002