Keen anglers who like the challenge of landing a big catch at Bassenthwaite Lake while enjoying a Lake District holiday are being asked to provide details of their haul to national park authorities.
The data will be used to assess the size of the pike living in the fourth-largest stretch of water in the Lakes, amid worries that the health of the area is waning.
Chris Tomlin of the Centre of Ecology & Hydrology in Lancaster said past studies have shown a "worrying decline" in the size of the fish, a trend that seems exclusive to Bassenthwaite.
"As pike are top of the fish food chain, they are a good indicator of the health of the lake and, if changes are taking place, it is essential we find out more," he remarked.
He urged anglers to get in touch and provide information about their catches, which helps to give scientists an accurate idea of what is happening under the surface of the lake.
Located north-west of Keswick, Bassenthwaite is the only official lake in the Lake District and is home to the Forestry Commission’s visitor centre, which features numerous walking trails on the eastern side of the water.
Posted by Andrew Hill
