Farm slurry is blamed for fishkill in Tralee

INLAND Fisheries Ireland (IFI) estimates that more than 300 fish were killed in Tralee’s Clashlehane River after the tributary to the Lee was polluted last week.

An IFI spokesperson told The Kerryman that four kilometres of waterway, which flows through Manor West, were affected, and its investigation has determined that agricultural slurry effluent caused the pollution.

The source of this slurry has not yet been identified and the IFI and Kerry County Council continue to investigate the incident. The river contains brown trout, eel, stone loach, and stickleback.

The IFI was first notified of the incident on December 8. An eyewitness told The Kerryman he had noticed discolouration in the water midweek.

“From Wednesday onwards the river turned a pea-green colour. I saw anything up to 20 fish dead within a 100-yard area, and I can only imagine how much damage has been caused over the course of the river,” the eyewitness said.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in the river before,” the eyewitness added.

According to the IFI’s Patricia O’Connor, the incident at Clashlehane River is one of several to have taken place in the south western river basin district over the past month.

“Water levels are very low in all rivers and streams, at the moment, meaning any pollutant entering waters will have a dramatic impact on fish and water quality,” she said.

“It is essential that persons in control of slurry or other effluents ensure that these materials are effectively contained and not allowed enter waters,” she added.

Kerry County Council said they were aware of an incident and are investigating, adding that it did not pose a risk to public health.