Home / Environment / County Down River Suffers Major Fish Kill
County Down River Suffers Major Fish Kill
5 Nov
Summary
- A major fish kill occurred in County Down rivers.
- Brown and migratory sea trout populations were decimated.
- Anglers express dismay over repeated pollution incidents.
A significant fish kill has occurred in County Down rivers, prompting an investigation by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). The pollution has resulted in the death of brown and migratory sea trout in the Gransha, Ballystockart, and Inler Rivers.
Glenn McKibbin, secretary of the Inler Angling Club, reported the loss of approximately 1,000 fish, describing the event as devastating for current and future fish stocks, which could take years to recover. He highlighted the impact on migratory fish returning to spawn and the unavoidable ripple effects on other wildlife, such as kingfishers, herons, and otters.
This incident is particularly disheartening for the club, as the river was still recovering from major pollution incidents in 2013 and 2015. McKibbin criticized the perceived inadequacy of fines for such occurrences, stating that current deterrents are insufficient and the system is broken.
David Pyper, Chairperson of the Inler Angling Club, expressed deep disappointment and urged for thorough investigations to determine the cause and ensure protective measures are implemented. The club is also encouraging local representatives to prioritize river health and allocate resources for improving water quality and preventing future disasters.
