Algae reports reveal dead dogs, vile smells and scared kids

According to recent statistics, 22 confirmed reports of blue-green algae have been made on Lough Erne since the start of this year, with eight of these reports lodged this month alone.  

Three toxic chemicals have also been detected in the algae, including 'Microcystis', 'Anabaena' and 'Cylindrospermum', all of which can cause serious harm to both humans and animals. 

However, despite these concerning realities, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has admitted that "there have been no specific measures employed in Lough Erne to control blue-green algae".

A map showing reports of blue-green algae in Fermanagh. (Image: File Photo.)

In May, two dogs were reported dead after being in water where blue-green algae was detected.

One dead dog was reported to the Council on April 4, while another was reported on May 7.

The dogs had previously been paddling near Rossigh Bay, where blue-green algae was detected two days later, on May 9. 

However, the Council said that because no post-mortem was carried out on either dog, it cannot confirm that the animals died as result of contact with the blue-green algae. 

Meanwhile, another algae sighting on August 16, this time on Lusty Beg Island, detailed how thick, green algae was detected during a children's "fairy trail".

A note accompanying the report on August 16 read: "Seen on shore while doing the children's fairy trail on Lusty Beg Island."

The report was both verified and "considered correct" by DAERA. 

If ingested, blue-green algae can cause illness in humans, including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pains in muscles and joints.

The report at Lusty Beg followed two confirmed incidents of algae made about the same location.

A previous report detailed "thick algae" spanning a "tennis-court" sized area.

Other reports were made in July of this year. An incident at Muckross Jetty on July 31 detailed a "bright green coating" of algae on rocks, while people were "swimming" and "dogs [were] also in the water".

Again, this report verified the report as "correct" by the Department.

Fowl smells have also been the subject of a number of recent reports in County Fermanagh.

A report on July 31 at Muckross Jetty noted a "strong smell close to where denser amount of algae [was] present". 

This time, the blooms were located near a "public area towards picnic area and public toilets".

Meanwhile, a previous report near Muckross detailed how algae was so thick that a "stick would sit on top", with the person who made the report complaining of a "vile smell" and algae that covered an "extensive area".

A further report at Muckross revealed anger and concern at the condition of Lough Erne's waterways. 

"I am annoyed that this is how our waterways are," read a report relating to bright green algae at Muckross.

"We cannot be left behind when there's now a task force connected to Lough Neagh. What about us? We are a fresh water body too. 

"We need the investigation work done and measures put in place to minimise and eradicate this.

Further down Lough Erne, and reports have also continued to mount, with the algae also appearing in isolated loughs.

(Image: File Photo.)

On July 20, algae was confirmed at the Race Course Lough, Enniskillen, where "suspect green/blue alge looks green with slight blue coming off it" was reported.

A report at Carrybridge Marina on July 28 read: "A lot of dead weeds among it but was unsure about the smaller spores you can see on and below the surface".

These proved to be blue-green algae spores. 

Amid increasing reports of blue-green algae on Lough Erne, the Department was asked to detail what "mitigation measures" had been employed.

A spokesman admitted that there were none. 

"There have been no specific measures employed in Lough Erne to control blue-green algae," a DAERA spokesman said.

However, the spokesman explained that a task force had been set up on Lough Neagh, and it is hoped that "the outcome of this initiative will help inform mitigation measures that are transferable to other waterways such as Lough Erne".

The Department was also asked to detail "specific species" of algae on Lough Erne. 

It revealed that samples taken from Lough Erne contain chemicals Microcystis, Anabaena and Cylindrospermum, all of which are harmful to humans and animals.

Microcystis can cause liver damage and dysfunction in humans and animals, while "serious neurological damage" can result from the ingestion of Anabaena.

Cylindrospermum can produce 'cyanotoxins' that can cause serious illness or death in pets, livestock and wildlife. The chemical can also cause rashes and skin irritation in humans. 

When asked to detail any "recorded incidents and health issues", a spokesman said that while DAERA "has not been notified of any human health issues relating to blue-green algae in Lough Erne", it did point to the suspected death of two dogs at Rossigh Bay in April/May of this year.