A PLAN to protect the dwindling numbers of salmon and sea trout in Cumbrian waters is being discussed by environment officials.

The Environment Agency in Cumbria & Lancashire is to consult on plans regarding stocks of the fish on the Solway Firth and in the Rivers Border Esk and Eden.

Stocks of salmon continue to decline and are now of considerable concern to those who value them in the area's estuaries and rivers.

Sea trout are also far less abundant than they have been historically, particularly on the Border Esk which was famed for its sea trout runs.

The Environment Agency (EA) has been meeting with stakeholders over the last two years to explore options to further protect stocks to help fish numbers to recover.

The EA will propose at consultation that no salmon should be killed within the estuary net fishery and the rod fisheries on the Eden and the Border Esk. It is also proposing that the number of sea trout killed should not exceed recent catches.

Environment Agency senior officer, Ben Bayliss said: "We understand the social, economic and wellbeing benefits associated with participation in net or rod fishing, so we are not seeking to prevent people from taking part in these fisheries in any way.

"We are however asking people merely to return the salmon they catch and continue to exercise restraint with sea trout.

"We have a shared responsibility to protect these iconic fish. For our part, we’ve invested hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last 10 years on specific habitat improvements, helping to create the right conditions for salmon and sea trout.

"A small proportion of this is funded by the sale of licences for netting and angling, but habitat improvement alone is not enough.

"Stock levels are of significant concern and face increasing challenges. It is essential therefore that we all do more to maximise the number of fish reaching their spawning grounds to protect these fish."

The presence of salmon and sea trout used to be protected by fishing regulations which restricted the activity net fisheries on the Solway Firth and angling on the Eden and the Border Esk. These regulations have since expired.

The new proposals being consulted on are intended to reduce the number of salmon and sea trout being killed and increase the number making it to their spawning grounds.

The EA’s four-week consultation, began on January 18, and closes on February 16.