RIVERS in Gwent are drying up because of low rainfall and high temperatures over the last few months.

Water levels in parts of the Usk, Wye and Severn rivers are at their lowest since records began in the 1960s.

And while many of us have been enjoying the good weather, experts warn it could have serious effects for fishing in the area.

Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith is director of the Usk and Wye Foundation, a charity focusing on the rivers’ conservation and restoration.

He said: "It’s really serious - the last time we had anything like this was in 1976, when the rivers literally stopped flowing.

"It is going to affect recreational fishing tourism in the industry a lot this summer. We have already started to find dead fish along the Wye where flow has decreased too much.

"Measures are in place to reduce the take from rivers, but if a lot of fish die then it could have serious long term effects."

Provisional Met Office figures show rainfall in Monmouthshire was 89% less than average for the month, the lowest in the country at 8.1 mm. Rainfall in March was 81% lower than usual, and January was also dryer than average.

A spokesperson for Environment Agency Wales said they were aware of the issue and were monitoring water levels to prevent them getting any lower.

The spokesperson said: "Reservoir stocks are within normal ranges for the time of year, but the problem is more to do with young salmon and trout trying to make their way down the river to get out to sea.

"If the flow is slower than usual they are more vulnerable to predators, and if less fish make it out to sea there will be less coming upriver next year to breed.

"We would urge people to report any problems to us so we can we can respond as soon as possible."

The MET office predicts showers in Monmouthshire over the next few days, but if anyone sees any fish in distress in the river, contact the EAW on 08708 506506.