At least 100 fish die in river in Offaly town

A FISH kill on the river in Tullamore town centre has been attributed to the hot weather.

Dead fish were noticed in the Tullamore river on Thursday and a report was made to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

Up to two dozen dead fish were on the river this morning (Friday, August 15) on a stretch from Water Lane and Main Street towards the town park.

Some fish, including trout, were floating on the surface and others had sunk to the bottom.

Local sources with knowledge of the incident said Inland Fisheries Ireland carried out testing of the water on Thursday and found that dissolved oxygen levels were low where the fish died.

Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water and larger fish are more vulnerable when the levels drop.

READ NEXT: Planners were split on massive Offaly energy domes project

Oxygen levels can also be lower in slow-flowing rivers because the water is less likely to be well mixed.

The dead fish (see another photographed by IFI below) in the Tullamore river were located in a stretch where the flow was slow.

Pollution does not appear to be a factor in the deaths.

A spokesperson for Inland Fisheries Ireland told the Tullamore Tribune: "Inland Fisheries Ireland is investigating a fish kill in Tullamore, Co Offaly during which at least 100 fish have died."

The spokesperson added: “The incident happened along the Tullamore River, and has affected freshwater species including trout and juvenile pike.

“Initial indications suggest the event was caused by dry and hot weather conditions, with low oxygen levels measured in the river by IFI staff."

The IFI said the incident was first reported via a call to IFI’s 24-hour confidential phoneline, 0818 34 74 24.

Last month at least 68 fish, mostly large wild brown trout, died in Lough Sheelin, Co Cavan and Inland Fisheries believed the incident was caused by the hot weather.