Data reveals locations and appearance of Fermanagh algae

Information from DAERA shows that this month alone, three reports have been made regarding the dangerous substance, which is toxic to both animals and humans.

The most recent report in Fermanagh was made at a popular tourist destination, Crom Estate, by National Trust Area Ranger, Roisin Black.

Reporting the light green algae on July 17, Mrs. Black outlined: "This has been noticed by the Ranger team. I am the Area Ranger on site and have tried reporting this."

She also urged officials to "keep in touch".

The National Trust confirmed that while the section of the lough "is not a designated bathing site", precautionary signs have been placed at the site, informing visitors about the potential presence of the algae bloom in the water.

"These signs are expected to remain in place until after summer," said a National Trust spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, on the same date, another toxic blue-green algae bloom was detected at Tully Castle, Church Hill on Upper Lough Erne.

Following checks by Water Quality Inspectors, the distinctly-coloured green substance was confirmed to be blue-green algae.

Images seen by this newspaper show dense algae, light green in colour, similar to what was discovered at Crom Estate.

The reports followed another detection of blue-green algae, this time near Innishmacsaint Island, otherwise known as Ely Lodge, on July 16.

The report from Diane Kells was investigated, but inspectors initially noted that the Camagh Bay jetty and slipway "looked clear of bloom."

However, upon closer inspection, they spotted a "low concentration of potential blue-green algae (PTBGA) on the shoreline between Camagh Bay and Innishmacsaint Island, with some signs on rocks along the shoreline, and blown into shore."

Inspectors also noted that there was an "existing algae advisory sign on a nearby fence from a previous issue."

Earlier this month on July 2, a report was lodged at Mill Lough, Bellanaleck.

Data shows that this was one of five reports made at this particular location this year, with reports made as early as January 13.

A report on January 13 showed the confirmed presence of algae worryingly close to public facilities.

The report read: "Water very calm - algae noted close to jetties and shoreline at slipway/car park."

Another confirmed report on January 19, again at Mill Lough, raised concerns about the unseasonal presence of blue-green algae.

"Mill Lough Bellanaleck has had a distinctive light green algal bloom for a number of weeks," the report read. "Normally the lake is very clear at this time of year. Bloom appears to be throughout the whole lake. No sign of distinctive TB/G algae scum, smell or colour. Some small algal clusters visible in water column.

"There had been a complaint about the lake being dark green due to slurry, this was checked at the time and no pollution was found, lake had the same light green appearance."

Reports have also been made elsewhere in Fermanagh this year.

On May 7, near Killadeas, a report was deemed "plausible", with the individual describing it as "fine algal particulate in the water".

And on May 9, at Lower Lough MacNean, a further report of "plausible" blue-green algae was received.

However, not all reports turn out to be blue-green algae.

Data shows that two reports were made at the bay near the Killyhevlin on March 3 of this year but were deemed "incorrect" by Inspectors.

'Lough Neagh'

The reports of blue-green algae on Lough Erne follow major concerns at Lough Neagh, where blue-green algal blooms over the summer have caused havoc.

Last week, an action plan for the future of Lough Neagh was approved by the Northern Ireland Executive, while Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, met with groups, including farming representatives, to discuss the plan.

Minister Muir was asked if tackling blue-green algae blooms on Lough Erne, given the large number of reports, was a "lesser priority" than on Lough Neagh.

He was also asked if positive action at Lough Neagh would be a catalyst for action in relation to blue-green algae on Lough Erne.

In response, the Minister said: "I am aware that water quality across Northern Ireland, not just at Lough Neagh is not what it should be. 

"My priority now is to have Northern Ireland's first environmental improvement plan, which includes a clear focus on water quality, approved by the Executive, and I will continue to engage with Executive colleagues to seek its approval. 

"Successful delivery and oversight of the actions to address the problems at Lough Neagh and to more generally improve water quality across Northern Ireland will depend on engagement, consensus-building and the creation of strong partnerships across government, the public and private sectors, including local government, and the community."

''Untreated sewage'

In Fermanagh, many are acutely aware of the impact of blue-green algae, including anglers who use Lough Erne regularly.

Stephen Hey, of Kesh Anglers, said that while blue-green algae on Lough Erne has been an ongoing issue for years, he feels that "untreated sewage" and "invasive species" are contributing factors.

"Blue-greens have always appeared in periods of warm sunny weather in summer, in my experience of over 40 years of fishing the Lough," Mr. Hey said.

"The added biomass of invasives such as zebra mussels and their filtering of the water column helps improve water clarity by locking up some of the nutrients.

"Huge quantities of untreated sewage by Northern Ireland Water do not help."

A recent Freedom of Information request to NI Water revealed that 250,000 tonnes of sewage are pumped out per year into the Erne around Enniskillen.

There are 30 CSOs (Combined Sewer Overflows) around the town that discharge that.

Northern Ireland Water was asked if it was "aware of any links between its pumping of sewage and Blue Green Algae Blooms".

In response, a spokeswoman said: "NI Water does not deliberately pump sewage into Lough Erne.

"There are a number of consented storm overflows that may discharge into Lough Erne on occasion.

"These overflows are necessary to reduce the risk of flooding of homes, schools, and businesses during periods of heavy rainfall which would represent a significant public health issue.

"At such times the wastewater discharged is mixed with stormwater, is highly diluted and will be further diluted in the receiving watercourse."

Similarly, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was asked if it had taken "any additional measures to curb blue-green algae" in Fermanagh.

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has received four reports of confirmed blue-green algae since February 9, 2024 from members of the public/NIEA," a spokeswoman said.

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's Environmental Health service works closely with DAERA and other agencies to provide public health advice to members of the public if a blue-green algae bloom is confirmed within the district."