Sturgeon species discovered in the River Suir in Clonmel, Co Tipperary

A distressed species of sturgeon was discovered in shallow water near Sir Thomas’s Bridge in the River Suir, near Clonmel, Co Tipperary on 1/06/23. It was a likely escapee reared sturgeon of unknown origin. It weighed 22kg and was 147.5cm long.

Huge, but unsuccessful, efforts made to revive fish when discovered by a concerned and vigilant angler, who had immediately contacted IFI staff. IFI authorised removal of fish from the river.

Wild sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is protected under the EU Habitats Directive - and is an extremely rare visitor to Irish waters. Anglers are being asked to notify it if any unusual fish species are observed. The sturgeon specimen is to be forensically examined by IFI research staff.