Inland Fisheries Ireland has released a statement on the deaths of 850 salmon in Ballisodare.
The IFI confirmed they are investigating the deaths and are working closely with Ballisodare Fishing Club and other agencies to establish the cause of these mortalities, including with the Marine Institute Fish Health Unit, and veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine who are assisting in the expert examination of the affected fish.
IFI staff are conducting a full environmental analysis within the catchment in an effort to investigate whether water quality issues may be contributing to mortalities.
To date, only adult salmon deaths have been recorded and no other fish species appear to be affected in the river.
Commenting on the investigation, Dr Cathal Gallagher Deputy CEO of IFI, said: “We are saddened by these salmon fatalities, at a time of year when salmon are returning to their river of origin to spawn.
“Understanding the causes of these fish fatalities is crucial.
“IFI’s environmental, operational and research teams are closely investigating possible factors causing these salmon mortalities, alongside other agencies and local organisations.
“Salmon populations across Ireland face the threats of water pollution, illegal fishing and climate change, so it’s essential that we do what we can to help this iconic fish species survive and thrive.”
