INVESTIGATION AS HUNDREDS OF FISH DIE IN CASTLETOWN RIVER
EASTERN REGIONAL FISHERIES BOARD TAKE ON PROBE AFTER CONCERNS RAISED BY LOCAL ANGLERS July 2003
AN investigation is underway into one of the largest fish kills in Dundalk. Hundreds of fish perish in the Castletown River.
The extent of the kill may be much wider than first thought as there are reports of dead lobsters and cockles as far out as Gyles’ Quay.
If dead marine life on Gyles’ Quay and other beaches on the Cooley peninsula is connected to the fish kill, the damage may extend to eight miles out to sea.
Local anglers raise concerns about pollution in the water which is being probed by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
However, the board is not ruling out the possibility of a natural environmental phenomenon of high water temperatures and low oxygen not being able to support fish life.
Brian McShane, chairman of Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers, reveals the damage to the fish population.
‘ There are hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of dead fish,’ he says.
‘I haven’t seen anything like it before. There have been smaller fish kills in the past but nothing of this magnitude.’
He receives a call informing him that fish are thought to be ‘distressed in the water’ in the vicinity of Coffin Bridge.
‘I go out to take a look and although I could see a tint off the water there aren’t ant fish dead at that point.’
It is only later in the evening as a fisherman along the Fair Green spots fish jumping out of the water that the full magnitude of the incident comes to life.
Paddy Greene, local fishery inspector, reveals that the fresh water section, upstream on the river, is thoroughly investigated.
‘ There is absolutely no problem with the fish at this section which is checked again. The incidents reported are completely unconnected.’
Mr McShane also attends the scene at Fair Green. ‘What I come across is unbelievable. Fish are literally jumping out of the water, gasping for air. It is obvious they are dying.’
The incident is all the more distressing for anglers as the variety of fish which perish is extensive.
‘ There are all kinds, salmon, white trout, mullet, eels, flat fish and sea trout. It’s a devastating loss,’ he adds.
Matt Campbell, an angler, says dead fish are also reported in Blackrock.
‘ There appears to be a discolouration in the water along the river,’ he says.
Representatives of the ERFB take water samples at various points. Tests are conducted at the tidal section of the Castletown River and show very high temperatures and very low oxygen levels.
Water samples are also tested for any toxins that would reveal a pollutant in the water. ‘What we must remember is that if there is any discharge into the river, it may already have been washed out to sea and we may never find the source,’ remarks Mr Greene.
Test results are due within the next week, and these may determine the cause of the fish kill.