Two fish kill events in Cork and Galway leave hundreds of fish dead
Dead bream observed by IFI on the Curraghalicky Lake, Dunmanway, Co. Cork.
Two separate fish kill events have resulted in hundreds of fish dying in Cork and Galway, with two other investigations ongoing in the Cork and Kerry area.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are investigating a fish kill at Curraghalicky Lake near Dunmanway, Co Cork, and a suspected pollution incident that occurred on a tributary of the Dunkellin River in east Galway.
Several hundred juvenile bream have been recovered from Curraghalicky Lake in Cork. IFI staff are working alongside other Government agencies in line with the new national interagency protocol for the investigation of significant fish kills.
A ‘significant’ fish mortality event is defined as one that may affect single or multiple species, has the potential to result in significant aquatic habitat damage, impact on spawning and/or jeopardise the short-term survival of a fish population and may require the response of more than one agency.
In response to the Curraghalicky Lake, the relevant agencies have been notified, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cork County Council, the Marine Institute, and the River Basin Management Service.
The suspected pollution incident on a Dunkellin River tributary in Galway has resulted in 120 fish dying. Species of fish recovered dead from the incident include salmon, trout, perch, stone loach, stickleback and lamprey.
The IFI have been assessing the event since July 9 and are actively investigating the cause of the event. According to the IFI, the organisation is “now following a definite line of inquiry” regarding the source of pollution.
The IFI have notified Galway City Council and the EPA regarding the incident, and monitoring and assessment of the impact will continue to identify the cause.
They are also investigating two other suspected pollution incidents in the Ross River in Killavullen, Co Cork and the Deenagh River in Killarney, Co Kerry.
The Ross River investigation has no reported fish deaths, but was brought to the attention of the IFI through a report via the agency's 24/7 confidential number, with reports of heavy discolouration in the river.
The IFI are also investigating a suspected pollution incident in the Deenagh River at Killarney, Co Kerry. No dead fish have been reported, and Kerry County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the EPA are involved in the investigation.
The IFI continue to urge the public to report issues of concern to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
