SEPA investigates fish deaths linked to A9 dualling works at Dalmagarry Burn.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has launched an investigation after almost 200 fish, including Atlantic salmon, were found dead during work to realign the Dalmagarry Burn as part of the A9 Tomatin–Moy dualling project.
The incident occurred on August 22 during work to divert the burn, which flows into the River Findhorn, to a shorter course across the A9, according to reporting from the Strathspey and Badenoch Hearld. The River Findhorn is recognised as an important salmon river and popular angling destination.
Fish were removed from the burn before construction using a process known as electrofishing, in which an electric current is used to temporarily stun and relocate fish. However, SEPA said the fish deaths did not appear to have been caused by that process and are now the subject of an investigation.
A SEPA spokesperson said: “SEPA are currently investigating dead fish found within the Dalmagarry Burn, on Friday August 22.”
The Scottish Government has previously highlighted a long-term decline in Atlantic salmon numbers, citing changes in oceanic conditions linked to climate change as a contributing factor.
The Dalmagarry Burn realignment forms part of a wider Transport Scotland project delivered by Balfour Beatty. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said the contractor had reported “an environmental incident” on August 22 and that “the relevant regulatory bodies, including SEPA, were informed and investigations are ongoing.”
“We take environmental protection issues very seriously and our contractor is fully co-operating with SEPA,” the spokesperson added.
