{I realise that this press release applies to coarse anglers, but figured there may be quite a few who visit NESA – Ed}
Anglers in the North East are being urged to return their coarse anglers logbooks which will help the Environment Agency’s research of fish stocks in the region’s rivers.
Anglers were asked to fill in a log of their fishing during the season to help the Environment Agency understand more about the size and diversity of fish populations, and the extent of fishing in the area.
Traditional survey techniques have been used in the past, such as electric fishing and netting, but these methods have limited use because they are less effective in large fast-flowing rivers like the Tyne and Wear.
The Environment Agency’s fisheries team, based in Newcastle, then hit on the idea of asking for anglers’ help with the issue, and launched the logbook scheme.
Now the coarse angling season is drawing to a close, the officers are appealing for completed logbooks to be sent back to them.
Fisheries technical specialist Phil Rippon said: “Information from anglers’ logbooks give us valuable feedback about the fishing in their area. We will use anglers’ data to guide future priorities for improvement so it is vital that anglers send their logbooks back to us as soon as possible.”
Anglers who complete and return a logbook will be entered into a prize draw to win fishing tackle which has been provided by local tackle shops, tackle company Fox International, and the Environment Agency. Copies of the results will also be sent to those who take part in the scheme.
The North East anglers coarse logbook should be sent to the Environment Agency, Freepost NAT11924, Tyneside House, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE4 5BR. This address is also on the inside of the logbook
A logbook scheme for game fish has been running for several seasons in the North East but this is the first season that the scheme has run for coarse fish, and more than 400 copies were distributed.
The team is now preparing for next season’s s scheme. To get more information about the scheme or to request a logbook contact us at: Northumbria Fisheries Team, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7AR, or email robert.stephenson@environment-agency.gov.uk