A NEW byelaw has come into force on the River Wye to try and safeguard its salmon and sea trout population, Environment Agency Wales has confirmed.
The byelaw requires the mandatory release of all salmon and sea trout caught by anglers on the River Wye in Wales and England.
This will enable more fish to survive and spawn upstream to produce more juvenile fish and boost the declining population.
The byelaw was approved by Welsh Government and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers this week and comes due to the continuing decline of salmon and sea trout stocks in the river.
It could be in place for up to 10 years but results will be reviewed annually, with a full review midway through.
Anyone found to be contravening the byelaw could face prosecution and a substantial fine.
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