Suspected Fungus Kills 1,000 Trout in Blackwater

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating a suspected fungal infection that may have killed up to 1,000 brown trout in the River Blackwater in Co Cork.

The affected area covers an 8km stretch of the river between Mallow and Roskeen Bridge near Lombardstown. Inspections of the Allow and Minor Awbeg rivers have found no evidence of infected or dead fish.

IFI is working with Uisce Éireann, the Environmental Protection Agency and Cork County Council, all of which have had staff on site on Wednesday. Marine Institute staff are supporting the investigation and carrying out sampling to identify the possible cause.

Anglers have been urged not to fish in the affected section of the river. They are also being asked to wash, clean and dry all equipment, and to avoid moving tackle between catchments to reduce the risk of spreading any potential infection.

IFI said it is not yet clear how the possible outbreak occurred and that no evidence of pollution has been found. Monitoring and assessment of the river will continue.

Water levels on the River Blackwater at Mallow are currently very low, with temperatures between 17 and 19 degrees. Low water and high temperatures can make freshwater fish more vulnerable to disease.

Ireland has experienced repeated hot and dry spells this summer, with similar conditions prompting periodic closures of fisheries in the west in recent months.

IFI has appealed to the public to report fish kills or suspected water pollution to its 24-hour confidential hotline on 0818 34 74 24.