Fish removed from River Blackwater under Killavullen Bridge
A report detailing the damage done to the fish population of the River Blackwater is expected within four weeks, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has said.
Thousands of fish are reported to have died in a section of the river running through the Mallow area this week.
The IFI has launched an investigation into the fish kill, with an infection deemed a probable cause.
An IFI spokesperson said more than 2,000 fish have died in a 16km stretch of the River Blackwater.
The spokesperson said IFI officers continue to monitor and assess the scene and will have a presence in the area over the weekend.
The State agency has asked members of the public to not remove dead fish from the river.
“IFI continues to appeal to people to report instances of fish kills or suspected water pollution to its 24-hour confidential phoneline, 0818 34 74 24,” the spokesperson said.
A Mallow Trout Anglers member welcomed the IFI investigation.
The investigation will, however, result in the club becoming “homeless” for some time.
“It is very important that the report is delivered so we can identify the cause and apply the appropriate treatment and prosecute whoever is responsible.
“At the end of the day, there is nothing we can do now. You can’t put the feathers back on the chicken after you have plucked it.
“The fact of the matter is that Mallow Trout Anglers is homeless,” the angler said.
The club member questioned why dead fish are being kept in the river.
“Leaving the dead fish in the river is something I can’t get my head around it,” they said.
The section of the river where the fish kill occurred attracted a lot of visitors in June, as it hosted the Four Nations International angling competition.
News of the fish kill has travelled across the world with angling clubs offering their sympathies to Mallow Trout Anglers.