River Eden Fish Plunge: Anglers Blame Sewage

Anglers in a section of the River Eden have reported a "heartbreaking" decline in fish populations. Members of Carlisle Angling Association observed a drastic drop in catches, with one angler noting that salmon, once abundant, are now rarely seen.

This sharp decrease coincides with concerns about potential pollution. Suspected sewage fungus was found in a stretch of the river near a sewage outlet. The Environment Agency stated it takes pollution concerns seriously and investigates them.

United Utilities, responsible for the nearby sewage treatment works, affirmed that their plant's effluent is treated to the highest standards. Despite this, the association's members, like Ash Temple who grew up fishing the river, lament the loss of its once-thriving ecosystem and the diminished presence of salmon.

Gary Byrne, another angler, highlighted a formerly popular fishing pool known as the Bone Mill, which has also seen a significant reduction in activity due to the declining fish numbers.