Blue-green algae which has dominated the headlines in Northern Ireland for its presence in Lough Neagh has been detected in Fermanagh yet again.

The distinctive algae blooms on the surface have been spotted by several members of the public, with blooms spotted at Lower Lough Erne near Ely Lodge, and also spotted at Lough Mevlin at Garrison.

Official data provided on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) website shows blue-green algae blooms have been present in Lough Erne since earlier this year.

Reports show that the algae was reported at the Mill Lough, Bellanaleck on January 13, February 14 and April 24.

A report for blue-green algae blooms was lodged for Lower Lough Erne at Rossigh Bay on May 7.

The online reporting system shows a total of 47 cases of reported blue-green algae.

One resident reported the strong smell of the blue-green algae while walking at Ely Lodge - a popular spot for families to relax, and for dog walkers.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a type of algae that can occur naturally in lakes, ponds, canals, rivers and reservoirs.

However, unlike other types of algae, if it becomes too abundant it can pose a health risk to people, pets and wild animals who come into contact with or ingest it.

The algae can cause skin rashes, eye irritations, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain.

Blue-green algae has also been attributed to the death of dogs, birds, fish and livestock.

Last year, a number of dogs died after they came into contact with the blue-green algae bloom.

One person who expressed their disappointment at the re-appearance of the bloom in Lough Melvin was Michelle Duffy, a local business owner and keen photographer.

In a social media post where she shared pictures of the algae, she said: “Watching the news tonight about Lough Neagh and their blue-green algae problem that has become very serious!

“Unfortunately it’s much closer to home, it's visible on Lough Melvin now.

“This can kill animals and make people very sick. Something needs to be done before our lake ends up in as bad a state as Lough Neagh."

Advice on the DAERA site advises that the public is encouraged to report algae blooms if they suspect it is present.

DAERA advises that blue-green algae can be reported on the Bloomin Algae app, or the bloom can also be reported to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

You can report any suspected blooms by emailing the location and photographs to emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk.