A CAMPAIGN to make sure fish swim once again in a North-East river takes a step forward today.

The Environment Agency wants to restore levels of salmon and migratory trout in the River Esk, near Whitby, to their former levels.

Between now and December 16, members of the public have the opportunity to register any comments they may have regarding the Esk by-law, which is up for renewal.

The by-law, which restricts fishing on the lower part of the river below Ruswarp Weir and bans fishing at night, was introduced in 1987 as a way of countering the decline in salmon numbers in the river.

It was renewed for five years in 1997 and expires once again on February 13 next year.

The protection has paid off because the decline in salmon numbers has been halted, but migratory trout catches have started to increase again.

Steve Chambers, the agency's Regional Fisheries Officer, said: "We look forward to the day when fish stocks have recovered sufficiently for us to be able to remove these angling restrictions. However, at the moment, we still consider salmon and migratory trout to be under threat, with stocks well down on their former numbers. That is why it is vital this by-law remains in place."

All comments regarding the proposed by-law should be sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Room 318, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, to arrive no later than Sunday, December 16.

The agency also requests that a copy is sent to the Regional Fisheries Officer, c/o The Environment Agency, Regional Head Office, Rivers House, 21 Park Square South, Leeds, LS1 2QG.