Vol. 572 No. 2
134 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the subsequent explanations which have been found for the recent large scale fish kill on the River Lee in Cork; and his views on whether the reason offered at the time of high water temperatures was not the major cause. [22791/03]
I am advised by the South-Western Regional Fisheries Board that, following further investigation of the fish kill on the River Lee by the board and the Marine Institute, the board is of the opinion that the kill was the result of a combination of increased water temperature, lowered oxygen levels, decreased flow and algal bloom which existed in the weeks prior to the incident. The board informs me that such conditions can cause stress in salmonids resulting in fish diseases and subsequent mortalities.
I understand that fish samples were sent to the Marine Institute for analysis and identification of any disease agents present. Results of this analysis have identified the most likely cause of death as acute irritation of the gills. There were no signs of any other significant disease processes and the most likely irritant in this case was algae present in the water.
The South-Western Regional Fisheries Board is satisfied that the reason offered at the time of the fish kill i.e. a combination of high temperature, low water and algal bloom, would appear to remain the significant factors in this incident.
