FISHERIES experts have been working to help salmon passing through Ludlow but caught out by low water levels.

Environment Agency officers have been working round the clock in order to rescue salmon which have got stuck below a weir on the River Teme.

Hundreds of adult salmon became trapped between two weirs as they attempted to make their way to spawning grounds further upstream.

The salmon stuck at this location are very near to spawning and are therefore very sensitive to disturbance. Catching and moving these fish upstream could cause additional stress which may kill them, so Environment Agency teams have had to find alternative ways to help give the fish a helping hand over the weir.

Sandbags have been used to divert the flow of the river, creating a small channel with more depth and the team have removed a small section of the weir to help the fish get over it.

"Ensuring that salmon have unobstructed rivers and access to a good spawning habitat is one of the aims of the Environment Agency’s work to help this iconic species,” said David Throup from the Environment Agency.

“Salmon have an amazing life-cycle, migrating up to 3,000 miles to feed before then returning to rivers such as the Teme, where they were born, in order to spawn. The fish are very vulnerable to poaching or predation when they're like this so we'll be here all night, or as long as it takes.”

At this time of year it is illegal to fish for salmon and trout and the Environment Agency has a legal duty to protect the fish from any illegal fishing activities.

Enforcement teams will also be continuing to patrol throughout this operation to prevent any poaching.

If people suspect any illegal activities or notice fish in distress they should call the Environment Agency's emergency hotline 0800 807060. Do not approach anyone yourself or risk your personal security.

Environment Agency teams have been working closely with partners including the Teme Weirs Trust.