Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) says it is investigating the deaths of around 850 wild Atlantic salmon in a Co Sligo river.
The deceased salmon have been found in the lower Ballisodare River, near Ballisodare, south of Sligo town.
IFI says it is working closely with Ballisodare Fishing Club and other agencies to establish the cause of the fish kill.
The Marine Institute’s Fish Health Unit and veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine are also assisting in the expert examination of the affected fish.
Meanwhile, IFI staff are conducting a full environmental analysis within the catchment in an effort to investigate whether water quality issues may be a contributing factor.
Commenting on the investigation, Dr Cathal Gallagher, deputy chief executive 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 cause of these fish fatalities is crucial.”
Dr Gallagher added: “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.”
To date, only adult salmon deaths have been recorded and no other fish species appear to be affected in the river.
