A NEW Internet tool which helps anglers along the River Thames catch more fish has proved a hit.

The Environment Agency started the service in July to give details such as river temperatures, turbidity and oxygen levels over the previous seven days. More than 1,500 people have used the service, exceeding expectations.

The new angling service – Angling Data View – uses a network of sensors and data recorders along rivers to monitor water quality.

Fishery officer Stuart Keable said: “We are thrilled that anglers have taken to our new data webpage. We have had a fantastic response from people who use the site... ahead of venturing out for a catch.”

He said it provided data which could advise about water conditions thereby having the potential to save wasted journeys, maximise anglers’ time on the river and hopefully allow them to catch more fish.

Fish are cold blooded meaning they are susceptible to changes in water temperature which influences activity and feeding patterns.

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