THERE is increasing concern for the local fish population and the fishing tourism industry after an estimated 20,000 fish have been killed along the River Trothy between Abergavenny and Monmouth.

The Environment Agency Wales has confirmed pollution is reponsible for killing the fish and they are investigating the source.

The area affected is a 10km stretch of river that runs through Llantilio Crossenny and flows into the River Wye.

The news comes after a survey was carried out at the site following the discovery of 30 dead fish along the banks of the River Trothy.

The initial estimate was that 1,000 fish had died but after a more detailed survey officers discovered the number of fish killed could be closer to 20,000.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency Wales said this was a very serious incident.

"The detailed survey that followed has now culminated in a final fish kill assessment of 20,000 fish, which includes many thousands of small fish like Bullheads and Minnow that were too small to detect during the first visit," they said.

"Over 1,700 brown trout have been killed, many of them young fish but including adult trout. 

"In addition to adverse effects on recreational fisheries downstream in the Trothy, the population available to spawn over the next few years has been lost and it will be many years before the local population re-establishes itself.

 "Amongst the other 18,000 fish which were killed there were over 200 Lamprey, 70 Eel and nearly 15,000 Bullheads, all of which are important conservation species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Countryside Council for Wales have been notified.

"Environment Agency Wales are investigating the source of the pollution. Water samples have been taken and are being examined to determine the cause of the deaths.

"This is the second fish kill in the last week that could affect fish populations in the Wye area. Both incidents are entirely unconnected."

There are now fears, with an estimated 2,000 trout dead, it could effect the fishing recreation and tourism industry.

This has been compounded by experts warning that it could take years before the trout population returns to its normal size.

The Abergavenny and District Tourism Association Chairman, Jenny Taylor, says she is horrified by the news and hopes it will make people sit up and start looking after their town.

"The Abergavenny and District Tourism Association (ADT) are appalled by this - as if tourism hasn't suffered enough in our town recently we now have this to contend with," she said.

"The ADT are doing everything we possibly can to attract tourism to this town and now we can no longer tell people they can fish on the Trothy.

"We've had to contend with poor weather, the loss of the canal, rubbish on our streets, travellers on one of our beauty spots and now the fish being killed on the Trothy is the straw that broke the camel's back.

"It's about time some people started looking after their town and realising what a great place we live in."

The Environment Agency Wales are currently continuing their investigation into the river pollution and a file of evidence will be gathered which could lead to a prosecution.