SALMON fishermen on the Wye are being told that if they don't return their catches alive to the river, they will be made to do so with a new bylaw.

The Environment Agency, which oversees all of Britain's inland fisheries, made the vow in an attempt to improve migratory salmon runs up the river.

Although these have been declining in recent years the Wye is experiencing one of its best seasons in recent times, says director of the Wye and Usk Foundation Stephen Marsh-Smith.

"We told anglers at the beginning of the year that a bylaw was likely unless they put more fish back," he said.

"Only some two per cent were going back at the time but this then soared to 80 per cent returned. We were delighted and went back to the Environment Agency who said if we could get it to 90 per cent they wouldn't introduce the bylaw.

"Unhappily the returns have dropped to around 70 per cent - that's people for you, I'm afraid. Now I very much fear the bylaw will be introduced in August."

The Foundation, which has been promoting environmental improvements to help Wye and Usk fish stocks, had been offering free gifts including packs of smoked salmon and jerseys to all who returned fish but has since dropped this scheme.

The fishing has been particularly good in the river below Monmouth this year, with fish holding back because of low water. Recent rain had undoubtedly improved chances for fish to move upriver, said Dr Marsh-Smith.