“We are approaching 1,000 dead fish at this rate,” says local fishing club chair.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating the deaths of approximately 850 wild Atlantic salmon in the lower Ballisodare River, near Ballisodare, County Sligo.
Preliminary visual inspections have identified a fungal infection known as Saprolegnia on the salmon, which appears as cotton wool-like growths on their skin. This infection is typically a stress response, though the exact cause of the stress remains undetermined.
The investigation involves collaboration with the Ballisodare Fishing Club, the Marine Institute Fish Health Unit, and veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. Experts are examining the affected fish to determine the cause of the mortalities.
IFI staff are conducting a comprehensive environmental analysis within the catchment area to assess if water quality issues are contributing to the deaths.
“IFI’s environmental, operational and research teams are closely investigating possible factors causing these salmon mortalities, alongside other agencies and local organisations,” said Dr. Cathal Gallagher, Deputy CEO of IFI.
“Salmon populations across Ireland face threats such as water pollution, illegal fishing, and climate change. It’s essential to help this iconic fish species survive and thrive.”
Currently, only adult salmon deaths have been recorded, with no other fish species affected. The investigation continues to establish the root cause of this significant loss of returning adult salmon.
