The investigation of around 850 wild Atlantic salmon deaths in a Co Sligo river is currently being pursued by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The deceased salmon were located in the lower Ballisodare river, situated in the southern region of Sligo town.
In an attempt to discern the reason behind these deaths, IFI is engaging closely with several organisations, including the Ballisodare Fishing Club, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, and the Marine Institute Fish Health Unit. Specialist IFI staff are also carrying out a holistic environmental study within the watershed to probe whether water-quality issues might have played a role in the fatalities.
Dr Cathal Gallagher, Deputy Chief Executive of IFI, shared his distress over the salmon deaths, stressing the importance of understanding the causes. As wild salmon return to their birth rivers to reproduce at this time of year, IFI’s environmental, operational, and research teams are promptly investigating potential causes for these deaths in collaboration with other agencies and community groups. Dr Gallagher highlighted the hazards faced by salmon populations across Ireland, such as water pollution, unauthorised fishing, and climate change, noting the necessity for protective measures to safeguard this symbolic fish species.
Up until now, the identified fatalities are solely of adult salmon, with no observed impact on other fish species in the river. IFI, the Government agency that oversees the preservation and safeguarding of freshwater fish and habitats, continues to encourage the public to report any incidents of fish deaths, water contamination, habitat decimation, or unauthorised fishing to its confidential hotline operating 24/7, 0818 34 74 24.
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