Investigation launched after major fish kill in North West Cork

An investigation has been launched after what's being described as a major fish kill on the Owentaraglin River, a tributary of the Munster Blackwater River, in North West Cork. 

Fisheries Officers discovered more than 1,200 fish mortalities over a two kilometre stretch of the river near the village of Kiskeam. 

Inland Fisheries Ireland say they're following a direct line of inquiry. The cause of the fish kill is believed to be a large discharge of raw slurry into the river. 
 
Fish species affected by the pollution in this important spawning river include salmon, brown trout, eel and stickleback.

Significant damage was also done to the spawning beds and wider aquatic habitat, which will have implications for the fish population in the area into the future. 
 
Inland Fisheries Ireland is encouraging anyone with any information to phone their confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24.

More from Cork

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club to add your comment.