Inland Fisheries Ireland statement re fish kill at Aughrim River, Co Wicklow

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is investigating the source of a serious fish kill in Co. Wicklow in which early indications suggest up to 2,000 fish may have died.

The incident occurred on the Aughrim River, near Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.

Fish mortalities were observed in a 3km stretch of the watercourse in an area near Coats Bridge.

Species of fish discovered dead include juvenile and adult Atlantic salmon, trout, and lamprey.

Juvenile sea trout and salmon are among the fish fatalities at a fish kill on the Aughrim River in Co Wicklow

IFI is not aware of the specific source of this harmful ecological event at this stage.

Water samples have been taken from the river to gather evidence.

IFI environmental officers have been at the scene since early yesterday morning.

Inland Fisheries Ireland first became aware of an incident over the weekend following reports from members of the public to our confidential phoneline - 0818 34 74 24.

Monitoring and assessment of the impact of the incident will continue in the coming days to try to identify the origin of the fish kill.

IFI - the State agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats - continues to urge the public to report instances of fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.