Updated Inland Fisheries Ireland statement re fish kill at Cavan River
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and its statutory partners are following a definite line of inquiry regarding a significant fish kill that took place at Cavan River this week.
The incident occurred on Cavan River within Cavan town, and it is estimated that more than 7,500 fish have died.
Fish mortalities were observed over a 2km stretch of the river. No further fish fatalities after the incident have been observed.
Species of fish discovered dead include brown trout, European eel, roach, lamprey and minnow, as well as freshwater crayfish.
Dead fish found by IFI at Cavan river fish kill, including brown trout, roach, lamprey and European eel
IFI, the EPA, Cavan County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the River Basin Management Service have been on the ground investigating the issue.
Water samples have been taken from the river and sent for analysis.
An interagency group led by IFI met today (Friday) for a third meeting to discuss progress on the investigation and included representatives from the EPA, Cavan County Council, the River Basin Management Service, the HSE, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
IFI has been working with statutory bodies in line with the new national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills and is the lead agency on this case.
The interagency group was convened under the protocol to enable rapid coordination during the initial response to the incident.
As a result of the progress made, a definite line of enquiry has been established, and the group has completed its role.
Dead brown trout and roach found by IFI at Cavan River fish kill
The investigation now moves into the next phase under the lead of IFI, working closely with relevant agencies.
IFI continues to urge the public to report instances of fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
