Possible fungal infection probed as up to 1,000 trout killed on Cork river

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating a possible fungal infection outbreak that may have killed up to 1,000 brown trout in the River Blackwater in Cork.

Cork Labour TD for the area, Eoghan Kenny, said after he was informed on Tuesday that a number of dead fish had been found in the River Blackwater, he spent the last two days on the phone to bodies including IFI, Irish Water, Cork County Council, and the EPA.

“I have been informed by Irish Water that they had teams on the Blackwater yesterday and that they found no issue and the water is safe to drink,” he said.

 “I have been informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland that their main concern is the health and safety of the fish. Particularly affected are brown trout.”

Mr Kenny said they have had teams on the water for several days, and are working with the Marine Institute to take samples to assess the extent of the problem and an estimation of fish affected. 

Investigation

He said Cork County Council is waiting for the IFI investigation before making recommendations.

“I would advise that until a cause is determined and the experts come to a conclusion, please keep animals out of the water and don’t be swimming in the water.

“It is very important that we get an explanation as to whether this was a natural or man- made event. It is the second fish kill on the Blackwater in a short space of time. Statutory bodies who have responsibility for the health of the water must provide a detailed explanation as a matter of urgency.”

An IFI spokesperson told The Echo it “is currently assessing the impacted area, which spans an 8km stretch of the river between Mallow and Roskeen Bridge [Lombardstown].”

“Inland Fisheries Ireland is liaising with Uisce Éireann, the EPA, and Cork County Council, all of whom have had staff on the river,” it stated. “Marine Institute staff are supporting IFI and are undertaking sampling to identify the possible infection.”

IFI urged anglers to refrain from fishing in the affected stretch of river, and asked them to wash, clean, and dry equipment, and avoid crossing catchments with tackle.

No evidence of pollution

“IFI is investigating how a potential disease outbreak may have occurred,” it said.

“Investigations, at this stage, have not yielded evidence of pollution. Monitoring and assessment of the river will continue to be undertaken to help identify the cause of the incident. Water levels are very low in the River Blackwater at Mallow, and water temperatures have been recorded between 17-19C. Freshwater fish are vulnerable to low water levels and high temperatures.”

Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould told The Echo: “This is extremely concerning, and we need urgent action to prevent further loss of fish. People are obviously deeply distressed at these scenes, and it could have impacts on fishing for years to come.”