Statement from Waters of LIFE on fish mortality at River Blackwater, Co. Cork

Thursday August 21st 2025

We are looking at fish mortality in the River Blackwater on a scale we’ve never seen before. It is heart breaking for the wildlife and natural heritage of the area.

Our project works in the nearby Awbeg (Kilbrin) sub-catchment, which includes the Ketragh river and the Minor Awbeg river (also known locally as the Assolas river). The water from this sub-catchment flows into the Blackwater at Roskeen Bridge.

Inland Fisheries Ireland have informed us they have no evidence of irregular fish mortality in the Minor Awbeg river at this point. Further inspections are ongoing. Waters of LIFE have offered our support.

IFI are asking everyone in the areas surrounding Kilbrin and Castlemagner to watch out for marked fish, fish swimming erratically or fish mortalities.

If you see something, please report it directly to the IFI hotline.

IFI Hotline: 0818 347424

The hotline is dealing with numerous calls, all of which are helpful with mapping and investigating the current incident.