An investigation has been launched by officials after almost 300 dead fish were recovered from a Co Tyrone river.
The fish were found on a tributary of the Camowen River near Omagh over the weekend, prompting a “substantial operation” from the Loughs Agency.
After receiving reports of the incident, the agency sent a team to “assess the situation and initiate necessary actions.”
The majority of the fish were found dead with only some being retrieved due to the river’s high water levels.
An investigation was launched in the aftermath and samples have been collected to pinpoint the cause.
A Loughs Agency spokesperson said: “Loughs Agency was notified on Saturday 22nd February 2025 of a significant fish kill incident on a tributary of the Camowen River.
“Upon receiving the report, the organisation promptly deployed a team to assess the situation and initiate necessary actions.
“A substantial operation was conducted over the weekend, during which almost 300 dead fish were recovered from the affected waterway. However, due to high water levels in the area, not all fatalities could be recovered.
The spokesman added: “We are deeply concerned about this significant fish kill and are addressing this incident with urgency.
“Protecting our waterways and aquatic life is a top priority, and we will continue to work diligently to identify the cause of this issue.
“The Loughs Agency are encouraging members of the public not to remove any dead fish found in the area in the event law enforcement are called to investigate the situation.
“An immediate investigation was launched, with samples collected to help determine the cause of this incident,” the spokesperson continued.
“As this matter may lead to enforcement proceedings, Loughs Agency is unable to provide further comment at this stage.
“Loughs Agency has urged members of the public who encounter dead fish in the area not to remove or disturb them.
“Instead, individuals are asked to contact Loughs Agency directly.”
It’s the second significant fish kill this month.
The Glenmornan River
Local anglers have warned that the Glenmornan River in Artigarvan, near Strabane, may never recover from the fish kill.
They included Atlantic salmon, brown trout, European eel, lamprey, flounder, stickleback and Stoneloach.
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