Salmon stocks are thriving in the North East's rivers
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Anglers in the north-east of England are being urged to return any caught salmon to the water.
By law, any of the fish caught before 16 June must be returned to help protect salmon stocks in the region.
Water bailiffs from the Environment Agency are also reminding anglers they must only use artificial fly or lure when fishing for salmon.
The byelaws were introduced in 1999 to protect the future of stocks. Patrols are on the lookout for offenders.
Fisheries enforcement team leader Kevin Summerson said: "The adult salmon are now returning from the sea to our rivers.
"Over the years, we have seen a national decline in the number of 'springers', which are the salmon that spend several winters at a time out at sea and return to the rivers during the spring.
"Although the North East has recently seen high levels of salmon it its rivers, it is vital we protect these adult fish so they can go on to spawn."
One-Minute World News
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