An independent report into last year’s major fish kill on the Munster Blackwater has identified a “detection gap” in river pollution incidents across the country.
And according to the Irish Examiner, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) report calls for a single agency to lead and direct responses to such incidents going forward.
More than 40,000 fish were killed across a 30km stretch of the Blackwater in Co Cork when an unidentified “waterborne irritant” entered the river around 5–6 August 2025 and quickly dissipated to undetectable levels.
While the JRC report acknowledges the rapid response to the incident, it also recommends the creation of a national fish kill response action plan as well as streamlining response times as “uncertainty around causes can lead to delays in communication and action”.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said it welcomes the report, adding that it is undertaking various measures to mitigate the impact of the fish kill, including habitat surveys and genetic studies to support tributaries with weakened salmon and trout stocks.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Munster anglers responded with “total disbelief” at the failure to find a culprit for the fish kill in last September’s summary report, a conclusion reiterated in the final publication.
Sean Long, director of IFI’s south-western region, said: “IFI deeply understands the concerns and challenges facing anglers and the local community following the catastrophic fish kill at the River Blackwater.
“Our stakeholders have unrivalled knowledge of the Munster Blackwater and we are grateful for their continued engagement and support.
“IFI continues to rely on the anglers and the general public, whether it is by reporting issues of concern as they arise, or by participating as ‘citizen scientists’ in IFI’s planned genetic study.”
Long added: “Our work is often impacted by water pollution, and we continue to engage with other State bodies who have a key role in monitoring such pollution and water quality.”
