Investigation underway into fish kill on River Clodiagh
Press release, Friday 21st August 2015
Investigation underway into fish kill on River Clodiagh
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is currently investigating a major fish kill which occurred on the River Clodiagh, a tributary of the Tullamore River, on Tuesday 18th August 2015. IFI responded immediately to reports of a pollution discharge to the river.
3,700 fish mortalities have been estimated so far over a five kilometre stretch of the river, with the majority of mortalities detected in the affected portion consisting predominantly of trout, along with other species such as salmon, lamprey, minnow and stoneloach.
A sample of fish killed in the River Clodiagh
IFI is investigating the possibility that a discharge of chemicals may have occurred from a specified location and is following a definite line of enquiry. Water and sludge samples have been taken with a view to a possible prosecution.
Inland Fisheries Ireland Director, Amanda Mooney, stated, “This pollution discharge has been a devastating blow to the River Clodiagh. The quantities of fish present would indicate that the river had recovered considerably in recent years from a previous eutrophication state, with excellent salmonid spawning and nursery habitat. We are asking the public to report any suspected discharge into any river immediately to the IFI 24 hour confidential hotline 1890 34 74 24.”
It is estimated that the river will take a considerable number of years to recover following this incident.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a 24 hour confidential hotline number to enable members of the general public to report incidents - 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24. This phone line is designed to encourage the reporting of incidents of illegal fishing, water pollution and invasive species.
For more information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.
ENDS
Contact:
Myles Kelly Inland Fisheries Ireland
Mob: 087-6840650 Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: myles.kelly@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.
