Inland Fisheries Ireland investigating deaths of 850 wild salmon in Co. Sligo

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating the deaths of around 850 wild Atlantic salmon in a Co. Sligo river.

The deceased salmon have been found in the lower Ballisodare River, near Ballisodare, south of Sligo town.

IFI is working closely with Ballisodare Fishing Club and other agencies to establish the cause of these mortalities, including with the Marine Institute Fish Health Unit, and veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine who are assisting in the expert examination of the affected fish.

IFI staff are conducting a full environmental analysis within the catchment in an effort to investigate whether water quality issues may be contributing to mortalities.

Commenting on the investigation, Dr Cathal Gallagher Deputy CEO of IFI, said: “We are saddened by these salmon fatalities, at a time of year when salmon are returning to their river of origin to spawn.

“Understanding the causes of these fish fatalities is crucial.

“IFI’s environmental, operational and research teams are closely investigating possible factors causing these salmon mortalities, alongside other agencies and local organisations.

“Salmon populations across Ireland face the threats of water pollution, illegal fishing and climate change, so it’s essential that we do what we can to help this iconic fish species survive and thrive.”

To date, only adult salmon deaths have been recorded and no other fish species appear to be affected in the river. 

IFI will continue its investigation to try to establish the root cause of this large loss of returning adult salmon.

IFI - the State agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats - urges the public to report instances of fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing to their confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.