PRESS RELEASE 20 March 2009
Chemical spill probable cause of fish kill in Co. Galway
The Western Regional Fisheries Board is investigating the cause of a fish kill on the Derreen River, a tributary of the Abbert River near Abbeyknockmoy, Co. Galway. Up to a kilometre of river was polluted with what fishery officers believe to be a toxic substance, that may have emanated from a water treatment plant.
Hundreds, possibly thousands of juvenile salmon and trout, as well as adult trout were killed, in addition to lamprey - a protected species. Fishery officers believe that salmon ova (eggs) which are in the gravel of the stream and had not yet hatched may also have been affected by the pollution and may not now survive.
The Derreen and Abbert Rivers are very important spawning tributaries of the Clare river which flows into Lough Corrib on the lower Eastern side, this event will deal a serious blow to fish stocks in the area. The environmental section of the Fisheries Board is following a definite line of inquiry in relation to the source of the pollution and samples have been sent for specialist analysis.
CEO of the Western Regional Fisheries Board Dr. Greg Forde pleaded for increased vigilance where chemicals or toxic materials are being stored or used, particularly in proximity to rivers, streams or lakes, in order to help prevent such incidents.
Ends.
More information from the Western Regional Fisheries Board at 091 563118, or from the Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer Mr. Kevin Rogers at krodgers@wrfb.ie; 087-2527397; or the CEO Dr. Greg Forde at 087-2527388.