Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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123. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 14 June 2023, if he will reveal the cause of death of a critically endangered sturgeon that was captured in the River Suir near Clonmel; if the fish had any injuries relating to fishing activities; and if the removal of the fish from the water constitutes a breach of Article 12 of the EU Habitats Directive which prohibits the deliberate capture or killing of this species (details supplied). [30898/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As reported recently a distressed sturgeon of, as yet, unconfirmed origin was discovered in the River Suir in June 2023.

Significant efforts were made by IFI staff to revive the fish but these proved to be unsuccessful. IFI authorised the removal of the fish from the river for species genetic identification to support determination, if possible, of origin. It was 1.47 m in length and weighed 22kg.

I am advised by IFI that, while the matter is still under investigation, initial indications are that the specimen genetically is a hybrid between A. gueldenstaedtii (Russian Sturgeon) and A. baerii (Siberian Sturgeon). Such hybrids are common in caviar (sturgeon) farms. It is likely, therefore, that this fish was an escapee from a fish farm.

The authorised removal of the fish from the water does not constitute a breach of Article 12 of the EU Habitats Directive as the fish was not a wild protected species and was not deliberately captured, killed or disturbed. The fish was found in a distressed state in the river and did not survive. There were no obvious injuries relating to angling or other anthropogenic interactions identified.