IFI statement – Ongoing operations re the River Blackwater

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) welcomes the publication today of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) report.

Scientists at the JRC carry out research in various fields to provide independent advice to EU policymakers, and puts science at the heart of European policies.

IFI is undertaking a range of measures to mitigate the impact of the River Blackwater fish kill that took place in August 2025.

In recent months IFI staff have:

• Engaged with angling clubs, associations, and fishery owners to discuss the effect of the incident on them;
• Created a stakeholder distribution group to provide updates and maintain open communications;
• Established a national interagency group to develop protocols and standardise the response to large-scale fish kill events;
• Planned a holistic catchment-wide habitat rehabilitation project with targeted measures:  

1. IFI will conduct electrofishing surveys to assess the abundance of salmon, trout and other species throughout the catchment 
2. IFI will carry out habitat surveys to catalogue the status of habitats and local pressures - using water quality data to assess trends in the River Blackwater and map where diffuse pollution may enter the river
3. IFI will undertake a new salmonid genetic study - with the assistance of angling clubs and anglers - to identify tributaries that provide salmon and trout stocks and those that are under-performing;

• Initiated quarterly meetings with the EPA, Cork County Council, and Uisce Éireann to liaise on water quality issues relating to the River Blackwater;
• Worked with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment on legislation aimed at increasing sanctions for environmental offences.

Sean Long, Director of IFI’s south-western region, said: “These initiatives are intended to provide an evidence-based baseline to maximise the opportunities for salmonids to spawn and thrive in the Blackwater in the future.

"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."

Mr Long added: "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.

"We continue to ask people to call our 24/7 confidential line 0818 34 74 24 with information on issues that are impacting fish and their habitats.

"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."