Loughs Agency investigating substantial fish kill on River Finn tributary

Investigations are ongoing following the discovery of a major fish kill at a tributary on the River Finn yesterday (Tuesday).

The Loughs Agency, the cross-border body in charge of conservation, management, promotion and development of the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas, has confirmed the seriousness of the incident.

“On Tuesday, September 12, Loughs Agency was alerted to the potential presence of a pollutant into a tributary of the River Finn, allegedly stemming from a commercial premises.

“Loughs Agency Fishery Officers immediately initiated an investigation, where they discovered a discharge of deleterious matter had entered the watercourse. Substantial fish mortalities were discovered in the river on Tuesday evening, as well as during searches on the morning of Wednesday, September 13. Samples were collected from the discharge for analysis," a  spokesperson said.

It is understood the Loughs Agency has committed significant resources to the clean-up operation, with Fishery Officers actively working to help ensure additional fish mortalities are mitigated as best as possible.

“ We will have resources at the site of the incident until the investigation is complete. Anyone who discovers a dead fish in the area is asked to leave it and contact Loughs Agency directly at +44 (0) 28 71 342100 to arrange collection with a Fishery Officer,” added the spokesperson.

The Loughs Agency has confirmed that a further update will be provided in due course.