Derry's Muff River fish kill pollution from commercial premises

Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Fishery Officers have confirmed that the recent major fish kill in the Muff River, near Eglinton, was the result of pollution from nearby commercial premises.

Commenting on the incident, Damian Gallagher, the People Before Profit representative in Faughan said it was "no surprise to those with an interest in the health of our rivers and angling in the Northwest".

He added: "The nearby River Faughan, a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, has suffered serial pollution that continually threatens all its wildlife and habitats. Toxins from the illegal dump at Mobuoy have been reaching the Faughan and earlier this year it was reported that it was threatened by raised ammonia levels that could deoxygenate the water.

Over 2,000 fish found dead in County Derry river due to pollution

"The Faughan, a major spawning ground for Atlantic salmon, was estimated to have ammonia levels around 150% higher than environmentally healthy levels. A quick internet search reveals an alarming number of fish killings due to pollution across in 2023. Each killing accompanied by promises of investigations and enforcement actions, but to little effect.  

"Instead of addressing the root cause, the Stormont parties are adopting a hands-off approach and kicking the can down the road when it comes to addressing the very real threats to climate change and environmental destruction. Rather, they have championed the Going for Growth agricultural policy, that has been accelerating the growth of farming, fishing and food and drink processing for the past decade. A policy that has delivered billions of pounds for the private agrifood sector dominated by big business at the expense of our rivers, wildlife habitats and overall ecosystem.

"Only radical action including the re-balancing of the Agri sector in favour of small and medium sized local food processors and farmers will reverse the damage that Going for Growth has caused and ensure that both fish and anglers can return to our rivers permanently."