Over 200 fish died after a suspected river pollution in Co Down, it was revealed tonight.
Salmon and trout were killed on the Shimna River below Fofanny Dam in the Mourne Mountains, a Department of the Environment spokesman said.
It was reported yesterday by a member of the public.
The spokesman said: “Water quality inspectors from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) visited the site and confirmed that there had been a fish kill and carried out an investigation in order to identify the source. A potential source was identified, however there was no discharge at the time the NIEA Inspectors were on site and the investigation continues.
“NIEA informed officers of the Department for Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Inland Fisheries who also travelled to the area to assess the impact on the fish population in the river.
“It is confirmed that a major fish kill has occurred with approximately 150 trout and 55 salmon mortalities of various ages.”
PA