LOW catches on the River Weaver in Northwich aren't the result of a multi-million pound clean-up, say environmental watchdogs.

The Environment Agency believes the Weaver has bountiful fish stocks and can only benefit from a £500 million investment by North West Water.

A report by the National Federation of Anglers, published last week, claimed the scheme could be one reason why the Weaver isn't fishing as well as in previous years.

The organisation claims that many rivers in the UK have had their nutrients 'stripped' because of successful clean-up campaigns

It also believes the increasing use of pesticides and changes in natural habitats could be to blame for a decline in fry.

Environment Agency spokesman Steve Broughton said that the clean-up wouldn't have a detrimental effect on the river.

He said: "Fish stocks are extremely high in the Weaver, and if anything they're higher then the normal equilibrium level.

"The river is getting cleaner but there is still a long way to go with the clean-up.

"The concentration of heavy industry in the north west means there's still a lot of work to be done on the region's rivers.

"Fish stocks may fall slightly in the future but this will only mean the levels return to an equilibrium again."

Anglers on the lower sections of the river have been taking low weights compared to this time last year.

Barnton Angling Club's Peter Moore has noticed that the fish just aren't biting - but other clubs have been having more luck on different sections of the river.

He said: "It has been a problem and it's possible that the clean-up may be having an effect.

"Another problem could have been the spring weather. An early warm spell followed by another cold snap hasn't helped and means the fish just aren't feeding.

"Higher up the river towards Northwich there have been some good quality weights being taken. This could be down to the fact that the river at that point is weedier whereas towards Anderton it's much clearer.

"The fry are there though. There's been an improvement in catches recently, especially roach, and there is also bream in many of the river drains so things are looking up."

NFA spokesman Rodney Coldron still wants to know why many fish aren't reaching maturity.

He said: "What we need to find out is why many fry aren't living through the winter.

"It could be due to several reasons and the clean-ups could be one reason why they aren't doing as well.

"What we've got to find out is what exactly is killing the smaller fish, which, in the end, will have a detrimental effect of other aquatic life and the animals that rely on it."

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