More than 200 fish found dead in Donegal fish kill

More than 200 fish, including juvenile salmon and brown trout, are believed to have died in a significant fish kill on the Crana River in the Illies area, approximately 5km upstream from Buncrana.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), working alongside a number of other government agencies, is continuing its investigation into the incident, which was discovered on the river yesterday, Friday, August 28.

Fish mortalities were observed along a stretch of the Crana River, with local reports indicating that approximately 150 juvenile salmon were among the dead fish found in an affected area spanning over half a km of the river. Brown trout have also been discovered.

In a statement, IFI confirmed that their environmental officers attended the scene on Friday evening after the incident was reported. "Water samples have been taken from the river and will be sent for analysis."

"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Donegal County Council and the River Basin Management Services have also been notified."

"IFI is working with other government agencies in line with the new national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills, and is the lead agency on this case."

Local anglers were among the first to raise the alarm, with the Buncrana Angling Association reporting the incident to the authorities.

Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray said the discovery was “deeply concerning” and praised local anglers for acting quickly.

“Full credit to Buncrana Anglers Association for raising the alarm so quickly, and to Inland Fisheries Ireland for their swift response, with staff attending the scene, taking samples and beginning an investigation to establish exactly what happened.”

The South Inishowen councillor also expressed concern that this was not the first fish kill recorded in the area.

“We now need to establish the cause of this incident and, crucially, determine what needs to be done to prevent it happening again.”

"I will continue to work with Buncrana Anglers, IFI and all relevant authorities to get answers and to ensure that every possible step is taken to protect the Crana into the future."

100% Redress Councillor Joy Beard also expressed concern about the fish kill. “This is extremely concerning. There have been other instances of fish kills on the Crana River in the past, and we now need to establish exactly why this is happening.”

The South Inishowen councillor said it was important that the investigation went beyond identifying what happened during the latest incident but to see what was causing the repeated issue.

“It is not enough to respond after fish have died,” she said. “We need to identify the cause, establish whether there is an ongoing or recurring source of pollution or contamination, and ensure whatever action is necessary is taken to prevent this happening again.”

Cllr Beard also acknowledged the role of local anglers in protecting the river, saying their knowledge and vigilance were vital.

The latest incident has renewed concerns locally about the health of the Crana River, particularly given reports that fish kills have occurred in the area previously.

The affected section of river is upstream in the vicinity of the treatment plant at Illies. However, no cause or source of contamination has been confirmed by the authorities at this stage.

The results of the water sampling will form an important part of the ongoing investigation.

IFI has urged members of the public to continue reporting any suspected fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction or illegal fishing.

Reports can be made confidentially to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s 24-hour, seven-day-a-week number on 0818 34 74 24.