ENVIRONMENTAL groups have launched a crackdown on salmon poachers on the region's rivers after an increase in the number of fish returning to the area.

Surveillance cameras have been set up at a number of places along the rivers Tees, Ure and Ouse, as part of the clampdown by the Environment Agency on illegal poaching.

Officers are carrying out enforcement checks along the three rivers over the next two months in a bid to protect returning salmon and sea trout.

David Bamford, fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, said: "It is important to stop the illegal capture of these wonderful fish so they can go on to produce the next generation.

"Numbers are finally increasing, but only very 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."

The salmon and sea trout fishing season lasts until the end of this month, and the agency has warned that anglers going out to catch these fish need a migratory trout and salmon rod licence. A normal coarse fish and trout rod licence cannot be used.

Mr Bamford said: "We ask legitimate anglers to return any fish caught to the water unharmed to continue their journey."

Elsewhere in the region, hundreds of fish have been rescued after an emergency operation launched by the Environment Agency.

More than 400 brown trout and dozens of other fish, including grayling, brook lampreys and crayfish, were saved on the River Rye between Helmsley and Duncombe Park, in North Yorkshire.

Agency staff made the rescue after the fish were found to be in danger of becoming trapped in isolated pools with little oxygen.

An electric current was used to stun the fish, and they were transferred to an unaffected part of the river.

The agency's fisheries officer, Shaun McGinty, said: "This has been a successful rescue operation and it's certain that literally hundreds of fish have been saved.

"Thankfully, recent rain has now relieved the problem as the river fills up with water again.

"Notwithstanding this, we shall continue to monitor the situation.

"Staff are on stand-by ready to spring into action should the problem reoccur."