River Tees anglers aid valuable research

THE Environment Agency joined forces with expert anglers to collect valuable fisheries data for the River Tees.

The fifth annual River Tees Championship – a fishing survey match organised by the agency – saw 46 anglers take part.

Areas of the middle River Tees, from Croft to upstream Piercebridge, which are not normally fished were surveyed during the competition, which was held earlier this month.

The results were good, with all sorts of species caught and recorded during the valuable event.

Phil Rippon, Environment Agency fisheries technical specialist, said: “Despite low river levels making fishing conditions difficult, a variety of species were caught, including dace, chub, perch, bream and trout, with all sizes and numbers logged.

“The data, alongside our own surveys, will help us and our partners to better target habitat and fisheries improvements as well as helping us to understand about the distribution of fish species in the Tees.

“Our thanks to the angling clubs and landowners who supported the survey, and to the organisers,” he added.

The winner of this years’ championship was Ant Smith who caught 21lb 7oz of bream, dace and chub.

All fish caught during the competition were safely returned to the river.