A dead shark has been discovered in the River Erne in Co Cavan prompting concerns from Inland Fisheries Ireland.
It is understood to be a small spurdog shark measuring about one metre in length.
It was found by a member of the public on September 17 and is believed it may have been dumped in the river at Belturbet.
In a statement, Inland Fisheries Ireland said the shark may have been "caught at sea with a rod and line".
"On Friday, September 17, 2021, our officers in Cavan were alerted by a member of the public that a small, dead shark was floating in the River Erne at Belturbet.
"Officers immediately attended the scene and removed the carcass for analysis and identification.
"We believe that it was a small spurdog shark, measuring approximately one metre in length, and as spurdog sharks are a marine species, early indications are that the spurdog shark was caught at sea, with a rod and line, and possibly dumped at Foalies Bridge in Belturbet.
"The incident is a cause for concern for Inland Fisheries Ireland, as we advocate a ‘catch and release’ approach with shark species, whereby any shark caught when angling should be safely released back into the same waters.
"We also strongly condemn the act of dumping any shark or fish species, dead or alive, which can lead to severe biodiversity or pollution issues within rivers or lakes."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the agency.
