Loughs Agency Investigating Fish Kills in Derry and Tyrone

17th October 2025

Afloat.ie Team

The Loughs Agency says it is investigating two separate fish kills in the Ballykelly River and Ballinamullan River respectively in Northern Ireland.

In a statement, the agency says it was notified on Monday (13 October) of a suspected fish kill on the Ballykelly River in Ballykelly, Co Derry.

Fishery officers deployed to the scene confirmed a substantial number of fish mortalities extending for around 500 metres downstream of the village, beginning immediately below a discharge pipe.

A total of 422 dead fish were recorded, the majority of which were trout, along with several salmon and flounder.

No direct pollution source was identified in a thorough investigation into the incident carried out in collaboration with NIEA’s Water Management Unit. However, both agencies suspect that this fish kill may have been caused by a chemical agent, possibly a cleaning substance.

The Loughs Agency and NIEA are appealing to the public to help protect local waterways by keeping storm drains free from chemicals and waste. They should carry rainwater only, as other substances can reduce water quality and cause serious harm to aquatic life.

While it is believed that the majority of the affected fish have been recovered, some may remain in the area.

More recently, the agency has been alerted to a fish kill on the Ballinamullan River, a tributary of the Camowen River near Omagh in Co Tyrone. Investigations into the cause are currently ongoing in collaboration with the relevant authorities.

Anyone who discovers a dead fish in either area is asked to leave it and contact Loughs Agency directly on +44 (0) 28 71 342100 to arrange collection with a fishery officer.

Published in Loughs Agency, Northern Ireland Waters, Angling

Published in Loughs Agency

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.