Daera has confirmed an investigation is underway following a “major fish kill” in County Down, where pollution killed brown and migratory sea trout. The incident affected the Gransha, Ballystockart and Inler Rivers, with local authorities working to identify the source of the contamination.
Glenn McKibbin, secretary of Inler Angling Club, stated that approximately 1,000 fish were killed in the incident. He described the event as occurring in a “worse location on the river or at a worse time” for the aquatic ecosystem.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Daera Inland Fisheries are collaborating to identify the pollution source. Their joint effort aims to finalise the exact numbers of fish killed in the recent environmental disaster.
McKibbin warned that “current and future fish stocks [are] obliterated for years to come” due to the severity of the damage. He noted that resident and non-resident migratory fish, which return at this time of year to spawn, have been significantly impacted.
The club secretary highlighted that “knock-on effects for other wildlife such as resident kingfishers, herons & otters [are] unavoidable. He emphasised the broader ecological damage extending beyond the immediate loss of fish populations in the affected waterways.
McKibbin added that for members and volunteers working to improve the river, the situation is “soul-destroying. He pointed out that the river was still in recovery from major pollution incidents and fish kills recorded in 2013 and 2015.
He criticised the treatment of waterways, stating they “continue to be treated like sewers. McKibbin argued that “paltry fines that usually follow incidents of this nature are not a deterrent and the current ‘system’ is broken.
Inler Angling Club Chairperson David Pyper expressed deep disappointment for those dedicating time to caring for the river. He described witnessing the “sheer loss of fish in circumstances such as these” as particularly distressing for the community.
Pyper stated that the club hopes forthcoming investigations will establish the cause of this latest incident. He emphasised the need to ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect the river and its remaining wildlife populations.
The club has encouraged local representatives and authorities to continue prioritising rivers and directing resources towards improving water quality. Their goal is to prevent further incidents that could devastate the local aquatic environment again.
Reporting and fact-checking compiled by The National Wales newsroom desk. Dedicated to verified public-interest journalism across Cymru.
Eli Nathan
Editor-in-Chief & PublisherCovering national Welsh affairs, Senedd politics, regional developments, and cultural life for The National Wales.
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