"Fish fingerprinting" is among a number of innovative methods which a £3 million project will employ to improve the quality of rivers across Devon and Cornwall.

DNA will be taken from the scales of particular species of fish to allow scientists at the Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT) to track their movement for the first time.

The measure is one of a multi-pronged, three-year approach to improving fish stocks and water quality across some of the region's main rivers for the Atlantic Aquatic Resource Conservation scheme (AARC). It is working with partners across Europe to share knowledge to benefit the Westcountry's rivers.

Project manager Bruce Stockley said the DNA "fingerprint" of fish differed, even from one area of a particular river to another. By taking the reading, scientists can determine where the fish originated, and monitor their progress, and determine whether there are parts of the waterway they are unable to reach.

Mr Stockley said: "The genetics feeds in to a wider river restoration project, which will help improve the quality of the rivers involved."

Professor Ken Whelan, research director of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, said the DNA "fingerprinting" would help track migrating fish such as sea trout.

Another strand of the work includes modifying weirs, which can often act as barriers to crucial species such as salmon or trout.

The project will include ensuring fish have channels to get around them, or building "fish ladders" to enable them to swim up the structures.

River beds will be restored, and project managers will work with farmers to reduce harmful run-off from nearby fields. Meanwhile, public access will be improved, and a series of information boards will be erected to increase awareness of the wildlife, the pressures facing waterways and the work being done to improve them.

At the same time, the next generation of river guardians will be nurtured through an international Masters degree, which will teach students how to manage the waters.

The project has been paid for by Europe's Inter-regional Cooperation Programme, known as Interreg, which is funded by the European Union. Dr Dylan Bright, Westcountry Rivers Trust director, said: "The trust's vision is to have living, working landscapes that deliver employment, food and amenity without impacting on rivers and biodiversity and without the need for heavy regulation and supervision."

Arlin Rickard, director of the Association of Rivers trusts said: "This new project is using the latest science to help us all benefit from healthy, functioning water courses."