17/07/2006

Pollution kills thousands of fish

Thousands of fish have been killed in two separate pollution incidents.

In County Down around 1,500 fish are thought to have died due to a discharge of sewage into the River Shimna. This is also being investigated by environmental health officers from Down District Council over fears that the beach area in Newcastle may have been contaminated.

In County Armagh another major fish kill was caused by what is thought to be chemicals entering the River Lagan near Donaghcloney.

The Fisheries Conservancy Board have taken samples and are attempting to identify the source of the pollutions in both cases.

Concerns have been raised that the current high temperatures are exacerbating the lethal effects of even small quatities of pollutants entering streams and rivers.

(SP/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 November 2024
How A VIN Check Can Save You Thousands In Repairs
Buying a used car can be quite exciting, with no shortage of risks involved. One crucial step you can take to help cover yourself is performing a VIN check. Much crucial information related to the history of a car is contained in a Vehicle Identification Number, and a well-conducted check saves man from costlier mistakes.
14 August 2001
Agricultural effluent contaminates Forkhill river
Hundreds of fish have been killed in a County Armagh river in a major environmental disaster caused by farm effluent. The fish kill was discovered on the Forkhill river near the south Armagh border by a local angler on Monday morning.
22 September 2009
Thorough Probe Demanded As Fish Die
More than 200 dead fish - 150 trout and 55 salmon - have been found on the Shima river in Co Down. The discovery was made just below the Fofany water treatment works near Spelga dam.
25 July 2014
Major Fish Kill In County Armagh
A major fish kill has been reported in County Armagh. It is believed to have been caused by pollution from farm waste, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). At least 60 fish have been reported to have been found dead in the Bessbrook River. The NIEA expect this number to rise.
23 April 2014
Pollution Kills 1,000 Fish In Dungannon River
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has reported that around 1,000 fish have died in the Oona River near Dungannon, Co Tyrone. It is understood that the fish, mostly trout, have been killed by pollution in the water, which has been classified as "high severity".