Investigation Launched After Major Fish Kill in River at Comber, Co Down

Officials in Northern Ireland are investigating a severe fish die-off. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency confirmed a major fish kill in the Enler, also spelled Inler, River at Comber in County Down after a member of the public raised the alarm early on Tuesday, November 3. Updates are expected soon.

An inspector was sent straight away to assess the damage. The NIEA and DAERA Inland Fisheries are now working jointly to identify the source of the pollution and establish how many fish have died. Fisheries on the Gransha, Ballystockart and Enler rivers have all been affected by the incident. Updates are expected soon.

Inler Angling Club chairman David Pyper urged authorities to keep prioritising river protection and water quality. Anglers and local residents are waiting for answers on what caused the pollution. The agencies have not yet said when the investigation will conclude or whether enforcement action could follow if a source is identified.