Oil spill at Athlone - no clear evidence of a significant fish kill

Oil spill at Athlone - no clear evidence of a significant fish kill

IFI staff are continuing to monitor and investigate the area affected by an oil spill on a tributary of the river Shannon. There has been no clear evidence of a significant fish kill associated with the incident although IFI have noted a number of photographs of a small number of dead fish on Facebook attributed to the event – however as of this afternoon IFI staff have not identified any dead fish directly caused by this event.

Oil incidences are unusual in that the oil floats on the surface of the water and fish can avoid the effects of the pollutant provided they do not move through the surface film.

IFI is continuing to work with the local authority to narrow down the possible sources of the pollutant and to ensure that it is identified and eliminated.

Anyone looking to report incidences of pollution or poaching should contact Inland Fisheries Ireland on our 24 hour hotline 1890 34 74 24.