GWENT'S lave net salmon fisherman have urged AMs to back their campaign to save their techniques, which are threatened by new regulations.

The plight of the lave net fishermen was exclusively revealed by the Argus last year. And yesterday the Blackrock fishermen took their nets and petition to the Assembly to hammer home the message that the ancient ways could die out if the Environment Agency go ahead with proposals which would stop them fishing with their nets. Newport East AM John Griffiths invited the group to the Assembly.

He said: "I'm sure lots of AMs will sign the petition. It's been a fantastic campaign; really effective.

" I know that Carwyn Jones, the agriculture minister, is very supportive. We have to make sure the powers that be ensure that common sense prevails. Some of the options being considered by the Environment Agency would result in the fishermen's knowledge and expertise being lost forever."

Many AMs stopped to talk to brothers Martin and Richard Morgan on their way in to the chamber. Martin, from Undy, said: "Everybody supports us it seems - apart from the Environment Agency. We're hopeful that they will look closely at the arguments we put forward. We have no impact on salmon stocks."

The lave net fishing season only lasts from June 1 to August 31, after the last set of regulations pushed the start of the season back from February.

And even in season the fisherman can only fish at certain tide levels and in calm weather, otherwise it becomes too dangerous.

"It's such a great tradition," said Richard, who lives in Caldicot. "Going around the villages collecting for the petition we've been hearing stories about the old times. It's been very interesting."

The fisherman have gathered 1,900 signatures to protect their methods. The petition was handed to the agriculture minister, who has previously linked the lave net issue with that of coracle fishing in mid-Wales and highlighted the need to protect Welsh traditions.

*PICTURED: Martin Morgan (left) and Richard Morgan outside the National Assembly.