Anja Murray: Life and death on Irish rivers

Rivers across the country are becoming increasingly polluted through negligence, carelessness, and greed

A significant fish-kill reported in North Clare in recent days is now being investigated by several agencies. Picture: Inland Fisheries Ireland

A riverbank in May can be a gorgeous place to be. Overhanging trees with their freshly formed leaves cast reflections in the riffs and whirls of running river water. Bankside ferns and flowering plants add a feeling of richness and diversity. In the water, stones on the riverbed shelter dozens of tiny creatures, invertebrates specially adapted to live in benthic habitats where flowing water shapes every aspect of their lives.

Early May is when dragonflies and damselflies begin to emerge, having spent a year or two as underwater nymphs. When they metamorphose into winged adults, their elegant shape and brightly shimmering, iridescent colours invite us to watch in wonder. Most of the dragonfly and damselfly species here need clean, unpolluted waters to survive and thrive, their presence can indicate good water quality and healthy aquatic habitats.