Talks are under way over pioneering plans to save the Dover Sole fishing industry in Leigh.
Leading fishermen are working closely with marine biologist Dr Sophie de-Clears to devise a plan to introduce a Dover Sole hatchery in Southend.
As part of the plan, the Dover Sole would be bred in captivity and then released into the Thames Estuary to keep fish stocks high.
Mike King, former Leigh Town Council chairman and co-ordinator of the plan, and Dr de-Clears yesterday (Thursday) thrashed out the idea at a meeting with Government officials and it is hoped a solution to save one of the town's most prominent industries will take a giant leap forward.
Leigh fisherman Paul Gilson, who originally thought up the hatchery plan, said: "So many people depend on Dover sole on the Essex coast, in particular Leigh, for their livelihoods.
"If there are not enough Dover sole to keep the fishery running then maybe nature needs a helping hand."
For more on this story see www.business-in-essex.co.uk
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