‘Encouraging’ recovery of east Donegal stream hit by fish kill 

The cross-border Loughs Agency said it is encouraged by the recovery rate of an east Donegal stream which was hit by a devastating fish kill last year.

More than 1,000 baby salmon, trout and eel were killed following an accidental spillage into a tributary of the salmon-rich River Finn at Crossroads, Killygordon, in September 2023.

A two kilometre stretch of the waterway was affected, sparking a number of investigations.

However, a spokesperson for the Loughs Agency told Donegal Daily they have consistently monitored the stream since and have not detected any further ‘deleterious matter’.

“Encouragingly, during our counts in December (2023), we encountered Atlantic salmon redds (nests),” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue carrying out fishery enhancement works and observing fish stocks in the area over the next few years to ensure that it thrives as a wild fishery.”

This week, the agency also confirmed it has spent more than €21,000 on the Crossroads Fisheries Improvement Project over the past year.

The works included adding 200 tonnes of spawning gravel to the stream between the River Finn and Crossroads village. They have also added one solar powered pump (below) and two drinking water troughs in order to keep farm animals out of the waterway.

“In 2023, the team marked significant advancements by creating resilient habitats using innovative measures such as Limestone Rubble Mats, Vortex Weirs, and Habitat Units within the Foyle and Carlingford Catchments,” the agency added. 

“These rubble mats are designed to promote biodiversity, create diverse water flows, and improve water quality. Vortex Weirs and Habitat Units are strategically placed within rivers to create pool, riffle, and glide sequences, fostering dynamic water flows and critical resting areas for fish. This is a monumental step forward in enhancing climate-adaptive ecosystems.”

You can find out more about the agency’s work in Donegal here: bit.ly/4fWs1DJ

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