Otter questions answered

Worried members of the public who have been asking whether the recent increase in otter numbers will cause damage to fish stocks can now have their questions answered in a new leaflet released by the Environment Agency.

The quality of water and habitat in the Yorkshire area has increased in recent years, and this has meant a steady rise in otter numbers and a thriving population along the waterways. This has alarmed fishery owners and angling clubs, who fear that their livelihoods and stocks will be eaten. Sue Loveridge, an Agency ecologist said: "A thriving otter population is an excellent indication of the health of a river, including the numbers of fish in the river. Otters do eat fish, but they prefer eels, and a single otter covers a large area, so the impact on a river fishery will be limited. Still waters with a high fish density and fish farms are at more of a risk, though careful planning can reduce this. A healthy otter population can live alongside a healthy fishery with benefit to both of them."

The leaflet from the Environment Agency has the key facts about the UK's otter population, with details on their feeding habits, breeding, protection and shelter. The risk to fisheries is explained, with advice on protection.