Alongside North East Durham MP Richard Holden, Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison today convened River Wear stakeholders by the river to discuss how we can best sustain the body of water for the future.
The River Wear has an astounding reputation for its migratory fish populations, but threats continue to put the conditions that foster these high stocks at risk. Illegal fishing is a key problem- for example- because it is done with little regard for the environmental impact and stops us from being able to control and monitor river activity.
As such, Dehenna Davison and Richard Holden brought together local police, the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water Limited and the angling clubs stationed on the River to strengthen co-operation between these groups. It was reiterated that the risk of illegal fishing is still present and attention should stay focussed on this issue.
One of the positive stories to come out of the meeting was the improvement of water quality in the river, leading to healthier salmon and trout numbers. Of course, Davison and Holden emphasised that we should keep this attitude to ensure fishers are able to use the waters for the long-term.
Dehenna Davison MP said:
“The River Wear is vital to County Durham. That’s why it was so important for me and Richard to convene key stakeholders for this crucial discussion on both water quality and environmental crime. Good connections have been formed, and I know that each of us in attendance recognise our and our organisation’s responsibilities to ensure the River Wear can continue to be enjoyed in years to come.”
