Investigation launched into major fish kill in Northern Ireland

Authorities in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation following a major pollution incident that resulted in a significant fish kill. The contamination affected brown and migratory sea trout across several waterways, including the Gransha, Ballystockart and Inler rivers located in County Down.

Glenn McKibbin, secretary of the Inler Angling Club, stated that approximately 1,000 fish perished in the incident. He described the timing and location as devastating, noting that it occurred precisely when migratory fish return upstream to spawn, obliterating current and future fish stocks for years to come.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Daera Inland Fisheries are collaborating to identify the source of the pollution and finalize the exact tally of dead fish. Officials confirmed that the incident was first reported by a member of the public on Tuesday at 09:30 GMT.

"Current and future fish stocks obliterated for years to come"

Glenn McKibbin, Inler Angling Club Secretary

Beyond the direct impact on fish populations, the pollution has triggered unavoidable knock-on effects for local wildlife. Resident kingfishers, herons, and otters that rely on the river ecosystem are also feeling the consequences of the toxic discharge.