Mystery remains over fish deaths in the River Spey
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The Spey Fishery Board said it has been unable to identify any 'source of potential pollution' after taking samples from the River Spey.
The fishery board’s staff conducted the investigation after receiving numerous reports of dead salmon and sea trout on the famous salmon river, along with instances of illness in humans and dogs following exposure to the river.
The Badenoch Angling Association also said it had received reports of dead fish on the stretch between Kingussie and Kincraig.
More than 50 deaths had been reported by a week ago.
Staff walked both banks – some 13 miles – of the river where dead fish have been reported, looking for signs of potential contamination, discolouration of the water or riverbanks and any other causes of concern.
Water samples were collected for analysis by a water chemists. But despite their efforts, the board says 'nothing so far has been found to indicate any source of potential pollution'.
The board first learnt of dead fish being found on the evening of Saturday September 9, initially by Aberlour.
More fish were found on Monday September 11 with reports of dead fish up to Grantown at which time the board alerted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), as well as the Fish Health Inspectorate.
Fish Health Inspectors arrived on the morning of Wednesday September 13, to take pathology samples from 18 fish that had been kept in the water in nets by ghillies.
SEPA also undertook site visits and water sampling activities along the river, testing the pH and dissolved oxygen levels, as well as the water temperature, all of which revealed nothing untoward.
Water temperature and pH levels were all within standard parameters. SEPA has also engaged with local distilleries and consulted local Water Treatment Works, all of which confirmed that there have been no issues with water quality.
The Spey Fishery Board said it had been in touch with members of the Scottish Parliament representing constituencies through which the River Spey flows.
SEPA is urging anyone with information or reports of suspected pollution or additional fish deaths to contact them either online at sepa.org.uk/report or by calling their Pollution Hotline at 0800 80 70 60.
