Environment experts will survey the region's waterways in the coming weeks to gauge what damage the recent storms caused.

At least 25,000 fish were killed in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads after tides earlier this week sent seawater flooding into freshwater rivers.

Coarse fish – including roach, bream, pike, perch and rudd – were found at Acle Dyke, with more at Upton and Hardley.

Steve Lane, fisheries technical specialist at the Environment Agency, said the team used hydroacoustics before the storm to survey the rivers.

Now, they will be able to repeat the process to show the extent of the damage to the waterways after the saltwater surge.

Mr Lane said this will ensure the fishing industry is kept monitored and well-maintained.

'Angling is so import to the local economy in this part of the world, so it is so important that we protect the fish,' he said.

'It's difficult to put a firm figure on the number of fish we have lost. But we have some good news that the Thurne barrier at Potter Heigham was operating which saved some fish there.'

He praised the work of local anglers who volunteered after the storm and reassured people that the loss of fish was not as bad as in the storm of 2006 when thousands of fish in the river Yare died as storms drove the sea tides high up the river.

It was described as one of worst incidents of fish deaths from natural causes in the Broads in the last 15 years.

If anyone sees signs of fish in distress they are asked to call the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

Do you have a story about the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads? Email Rosa McMahon at rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk.