Thousands of wild fish killed in Co. Cork rivers

Inland Fisheries Ireland is continuing to investigate a large fish kill in County Cork.

Current estimates suggest that between 8,000 and 10,000 wild fish, mainly brown trout, have died along an 18 kilometre stretch of river. The figures are based on observations by IFI officers and data submitted by local stakeholders.

Sean Long, Director of IFI’s South-Western River Basin District, said that the Marine Institute, which is the competent authority for fish health in Ireland, carried out diagnostic sampling of affected fish on site at Mallow on 14 August. He added that a related report is expected within 20 days.

“Disease outbreaks can occur in wild fish populations and are influenced by numerous factors, including environmental change,” Mr Long said. “No evidence of a polluting or harmful discharge has been detected in the river to date.”

IFI is continuing to consult with Uisce Éireann, the Environmental Protection Agency, Cork County Council and the Marine Institute. The Marine Institute’s Fish Health Unit has advised that removing dead fish from the water is not necessary.

IFI officers will continue to monitor the rivers in the coming days to assess the situation. Affected trout have been observed in the River Blackwater from approximately six kilometres downstream of Mallow to twelve kilometres upstream. They have also been seen in the Awbeg River and the Clyda River, which joins the Blackwater west of Mallow.

Members of the public are being urged to report any fish kills to IFI’s confidential 24-hour phoneline at 0818 34 74 24.