THE delicate ecosystems of Fermanagh, and the wildlife that depend on them, are facing unprecedented challenges as the impacts of climate change intensify.

This is the sobering finding of a new report, obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, which warns that without immediate action this region's biodiversity and ecological balance could suffer "irreversible damage" in coming decades.

The report, entitled the Lough Erne SAC Conservation Management Plan, shows Fermanagh's most important asset is currently at a critical crossroads.

It identifies a long list of threats and pressures, using Upper Lough Erne as a test case, with climate change acting as a catalyst threatening to inflict profound change on the environment that we know and love.

The calling card of threats is far-reaching. For one, more frequent flooding could see widespread erosion, sedimentation and habitat loss. Rising temperatures could proliferate invasive species and decimate others, while wetter winters,  drier summers and frequent flooding could soon become the norm. 

The document is foreboding of what is to come on Fermanagh’s shores if action isn't taken. In just a few short decades, the ecologically rich Lough Erne as we know it could be recognisable.

Picture Lough Erne in 2050: a drastically altered network of lakes, rivers, wetlands and woodlands is now home to a less diverse range of species.

Invasives, such as dragonflies, have tipped the natural balance, with fewer and fewer plants and animals facing more and more competition for space in a fast-shrinking world.

Water temperatures are much warmer, and algae blooms have proliferated to levels unimaginable today. Fish populations and other wildlife have paid the price. 

On the shores, Fermanagh’s once resilient woodlands have changed. Windblown oaks have been taken over by rowan and birch, but are more vulnerable pests and diseases. Frequent flooding has drastically reshaped the physical landscape of the lough, and its desirability as a tourist and leisure destination has been greatly diminished. 

It is a reality that has not yet come, but one that Lough Erne is hurtling toward.

The report serves as a sobering reminder that without immediate action, the delicate ecosystems could become a shadow of their former selves, and the wildlife that depends on them could face extinction.

Flooding

Flooding is one of the most immediate and pressing concerns identified within the Lough Erne SAC Conservation Management Plan.

Climate change is expected to bring about more frequent and severe flooding in the region.

A key impact of this is erosion and sedimentation; flooding events, particularly in the winter months, are likely to cause damage to shoreline, smothering plant life and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

The report warns that while habitats can recover from occasional floods, repeated flooding events may lead to long-term degradation, making the region's habitat less and less resilient over time.

This erosion will not only reshape the physical landscape of Lough Erne, but it will also impact the delicate balance of species.

Sedimentation hinders the environment for various aquatic plants and animals, while also increasing nutrient loads that promote eutrophication, a process where bodies of water become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels.

But it isn't too late to mitigate these impacts, the report states.

A series of flood management measures are recommended, including compliance with existing environmental regulations and using culverts to minimise the impact on migratory fish populations.

There is also a call to explore natural flood management techniques, including actions such as restoring natural wetlands allowing rivers to follow more natural courses.

Rising temperatures

Rising water temperatures are another serious long-term threat. In warmer conditions, invasive species such as filamentous algae are likely to thrive, disrupting the local ecosystem by outcompeting native species of plants and animals.

These algae, which tend to form thick mats, can smother other aquatic plants, reducing the structural diversity of the habitat and impacting species dependent on a more varied ecosystem.

Furthermore, species such as aquatic char may struggle to survive as temperatures increase, potentially leading to their local extinction, while species that favour a warmer climate, such as dragonflies and damselflies, are expected to spread northwards into Fermanagh, further altering the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Drier summers

Fermanagh’s lakes and rivers are highly sensitive to drier summers and changes in rainfall patterns.

Prolonged periods of drought could lead to a decrease in water levels, which could in-turn reduce the flushing of nutrients from Lough Erne. Stagnant water conditions allow nutrients to accumulate, further increasing the risk of algal blooms.

Without sufficient water flow, lakes could face reduced oxygen levels, which could stress aquatic life, especially juvenile fish species.

Lower water levels could also reduce aquatic habitats, forcing species into smaller, more competitive environments.

To counter this, experts emphasise the importance of sustainable water management practices and monitoring water flow to prevent critical shortages during dry periods.

Wetter winters

While summers are expected to be drier, wetter winters will bring unique challenges. Increased winter rainfall will cause fluctuations in water levels, potentially leading to erosion of both the lake’s sediment and its shoreline.

These fluctuations will create greater variation in water availability, increasing wave impacts, and threatening species that depend on stable water environments.

Wetter winters will also promote the spread of invasive species, as greater connectivity between water bodies during flooding events will allow non-native species to move into new areas.

This could lead to habitat displacement for native species and a loss of biodiversity as invasive plants and animals outcompete local populations on Lough Erne.

Impact on trees

Fermanagh’s wet woodlands are also under threat due to changes in precipitation patterns. These woodlands are sensitive to long-term reductions in summer rainfall, and over time this could accelerate the transition from wet to dry woodland, particularly in areas where water tables (the level below which the ground is saturated with water) drops significantly.

As conditions become drier, trees will become more vulnerable (tree stress) to pests and disease. Species such as rowan and birch may become more dominant in areas where oak struggle to survive, leading to a shift in the composition of Fermanagh’s woodland.

To counter this, the report suggests management strategies that focus on the protection of woodlands through tree planting and the protection of water levels to support wetlands.

Time for action 

The report paints a clear picture of threats facing Fermanagh’s habitats, with climate change acting as a catalyst for many of these issues. From increased flooding and rising temperatures to changing water flow and woodland transitions the challenges are complex and multi-faceted.

Crucially, it  provides a clear roadmap for mitigating these impacts, including by implementing natural flood management measures, protecting hydrological processes, and ensuring that all regulatory frameworks are followed.

It stresses that in the face of a warming world, the time for action is now. 

Without immediate intervention, it warns, the ecosystems that make Fermanagh so unique may soon become a shadow of their former selves, and the wildlife that depends on them could face extinction.

The report concludes with a clear ultimatum that must be heeded by all: “It is up to policymakers, conservationists, and local communities to work together to protect with the invaluable landscape -  before it’s too late.”