Anglers who use their fishing rods on the Warwickshire Avon have vented their frustration that a project has been allowed to proceed.

The Environment Agency recently approved a new hydropower plan that is likely to impact the flow of water at Pershore and affect fish habitats in the area, according to evidence.

Angling Trust technical director Alan Butterworth said that of the 70 schemes he has spoken about on behalf of his organisation, "this is one of the worst".

"There is a complete lack of analysis of the turbine's impact on the water environment by the developer and the Environment Agency's own internal fisheries experts have been ignored," he added, claiming the plans should not have been permitted.

The Angling Trust explained that they had not been notified about the decision to give the go-ahead to the project and feared for the river's chub and barbel population, which it thinks will be destroyed by the measure.

Earlier this month, the Angling Trust teamed up with the Angling Times for an awareness campaign seeking to address the threat posed to the industry by hydropower.

Anglers may soon be taking their fishing rods down to the River Nar in Norfolk, which is being regenerated.

The organisers of the project – Natural England, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board – are hoping that the changes will encourage aqua cultural life.

Natural England adviser for the River Nar Jen Small said the project would bring back pools and riffles to the valley, which would "improve the habitat for plants and animals living along the river, enhancing the wonderful natural setting for the Nar Valley Way and providing opportunities for good fishing".

Eels, sea trout and brown trout, as well as many species of wildlife, are expected to benefit from a scheme that will restore shallow gravel areas to the river channel and reed beds along its banks.

The EA recently announced that work was being carried out on the River Great Ouse to improve access for anglers and flood defences.

Poachers who use their fishing rods to illegally scoop fish from rivers and waters are being tackled.

The Environment Agency (EA) is increasing its evening patrol numbers after reports of poaching in Buckinghamshire and is urging the public to be vigilant against such activity.

EA fisheries enforcement officer Nicholas Robinson said that illegal fishing had a "serious impact" on the angling industry, which depends on a healthy population of species in its waters.

"Many people don't realise that taking fish from inland waters, including rivers, streams, lakes and canals is strictly controlled and may constitute an offence," he added.

The EA suspect poaching on Kingsey Lake and the surrounding waters of the Thames area.

Mr Robinson explained that anyone caught freshwater fishing without a valid licence can face a £2,500 fine and a ban from the sport.

Earlier in the month, the Angling Times threw its weight behind an awareness campaign to highlight the threats poachers posed to the industry. 

Users of fishing rods are being held responsible for the spread of a shrimp that has been feeding on fish and insects native to British waters.

Water company United Utilities, which is working with the Environment Agency on the matter, has banned the large inflatable tyres used as fishing platforms, which it believes has carried the species from the US.

The firm's water catchment operations manager Bryan Homan encouraged anglers to wash their fishing rods, lures and all gear "before and after use".

"Because of what they eat and the rate that they eat it, the shrimp can alter the food chain and our ecosystem, threatening native species," he added.

The shrimp, which can range in size from three to 30mm, originate from an area between the Black and Caspian seas and have extended their population across Western Europe in the past decade.

A ban on the same floating tubes has been imposed on waters in southern California due to a threat posed by quagga mussels, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

Anglers on the Isle of Man are being asked to temporarily put down their fishing rods and offer their views on how new regulations might improve freshwater fishing.

The current rules, which have remained unchanged for three decades, are expected to be updated as part of a new consultation announced by the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, IsleofMan.com reports

Fisheries Directorate member Juan Turner described the exercise as "an exceptional opportunity for all freshwater anglers".

"This is a unique chance for both angling clubs and individual anglers to have a say in the future of freshwater fishing in the Island," he said.

Anglers will be requested to give their opinions on new regulations regarding fish importation and how to best look after native fish populations.

The consultation document will also seek thoughts on all aspects of fishing in the area, including annual close seasons and daily bag limits.

Around 300 people are employed in fishing on the Isle of Man and the industry is valued at approximately £10 million.