GRADUALLY increasing temperatures on Lough Erne point to a warming climate that could inflict to dramatic changes in ecosystem and habitat, it has been warned.
According to exclusively obtained data, peak summer temperatures have been consistently high on Lough Erne, particularly from 2019 to 2023, with several readings exceeding 20°C, and even reaching 24°C in 2023.
This highest temperature was recorded at Lower Lough Erne at Devenish on May 6 of last year, while on the same date a temperature of 22.1°C was recorded at Rossclare, and 21.8°C at Rossharbour.
According to the draft Upper Lough Erne SAC Conservation Management Plan, this shift is indicative of the increasing pressure that climate change may be placing on the aquatic ecosystems of Lough Erne.
The report warns that high water temperatures can have several stark impacts on the ecosystem.
For one, warmer waters promote algal blooms, which reduce oxygen levels in water, threatening fish and other aquatic life.
Meanwhile, rising temperatures may also cause species stress, with cold-water species, such as native Artic Char, struggling to survive or reproduce.
Increased temperatures will also favour invasive species, altering the balance of local ecosystems, while warmer waters may also lead to increased bacterial growth, affecting overall water quality.
The temperature data for Lough Erne has also revealed several important patterns and potential concerns.
There is a clear seasonal pattern in the data, with temperatures peaking during the summer months (typically June to August) and dropping during the winter months (December to February).
The report states that this is "concerning" for cold-water species and the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem, as higher water temperatures can lead to lower oxygen levels and increased stress on fish populations, particularly species that require cooler waters.
The report also warns that consistently high temperatures, especially during summer months, could be linked to broader climate change trends.
"This warming trend can have long-term impacts, such as changing species distributions, encouraging the growth of invasive species, and increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms," the report said.
"There are notable temperature spikes, particularly in the years 2021 and 2023, when temperatures soared above 20°C. These spikes could indicate periods of heatwaves or unusual weather patterns.
"Such temperature extremes can disrupt the aquatic ecosystem, affecting fish breeding cycles, and the balance of species within the lake."
This is also indicative of long-term trends, with the data suggesting that warmer temperatures are not only following seasonal cycles, but also gradually increasing over time, especially during the summer months.
The report concluded that close monitoring of Lough Erne is needed to keep
"These trends could have significant ecological impacts, such as stressing local species, promoting algal blooms, and favouring invasive species.
"Climate change may be playing a role in these temperature shifts, and ongoing monitoring will be essential to understand the long-term effects on Lough Erne's ecosystem."
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