A NEW bylaw has come into force on the River Wye to try and safeguard its salmon and sea trout population, Environment Agency Wales has confirmed.

The bylaw requires the mandatory release of all salmon and sea trout caught by anglers on the River Wye in Wales and England.

This will let more fish survive and spawn upstream and produce more juvenile fish to boost the declining population.

The bylaw was approved by Welsh Government and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers last 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 ten years but results will be reviewed annually, with a full review midway through.

Anyone found to be contravening the bylaw could face prosecution and a substantial fine.