TENS of thousands of young fish have been released into the region’s rivers and still waters to give stocks a boost.

The Environment Agency released them into the River Tees at Low Coniscliffe, River Wear at Maiden Castle, River Skerne at Brafferton and Clow Beck at Newton Morrell, and also stocked fisheries at Sedgefield, Sunderland, Killingworth and Northumberland.

In total more than 30,000 roach, rudd, bream, crucian carp, tench, dace, chub and barbel were released as part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing plan to develop and restore rivers in the region, targeting those which have been affected by pollution or where barriers affect fish passage.

All were all bred at the Environment Agency’s fish farm near Calverton, Nottinghamshire, using funding from rod licence sales.

Alice Fitch, fisheries team leader for the Environment Agency in the North-East, said: “We are pleased that we can provide these fish for stocking as part of our commitment to rod licence paying anglers.

“Restoration and the creation of new fisheries for all people to enjoy is a very important aspect of our work.

“Restocking is one of many things we do together with our partners to develop fisheries, including reducing the effects of pollution, improving habitat and removing barriers to fish migration.”

To buy a rod licence or for information visit gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence