Further information is available on the Lough Neagh SBRI is available at Lough Neagh : Blue Green Algae | SBRI NI (simplydo.co.uk)
The Blue Green algal bloom within Lough Neagh has continued to expand with the northeastern shore near Antrim particularly impacted by accumulations driven by the prevailing wind and wave action. Advice against bathing has been posted at Rea’s wood and members of the public are advised to follow any local signage erected. DAERA and NIEA will continue to respond to reports of blue green algae and notify relevant parties. With an increase in the area of Lough Neagh affected the likelihood of impact on the lower Bann and North coast will increase also. Water users in these areas are asked to remain vigilant and report suspected blooms.
Click here for details of what to do if you think you see blue-green algae.
Blue-Green Algae - Confirmed Locations
DAERA has worked with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), NI Water, Food Standard Authority, and the Public Health Agency on the production of an Inter-Agency Blue- Green Algae Monitoring Protocol. The protocol describes the roles and responsibilities of both organisations and individuals, as well as how we monitor different types of waterways, depending on usage. It details the DAERA Response Protocol for surveillance and monitoring blue-green algae and outlines the Bathing Water Monitoring in place for 2024.
Blue-Green algae, or cyanobacteria as they are correctly called, have the potential to release toxins and the public is reminded that blue-green algae can be harmful to humans and is highly toxic to animals.
Please click the link above for up to date locations.
NIEA will continue to investigate reports of algal blooms submitted through the incident hotline or Bloomin’ Algae App to confirm if blue green algae are present. Notifications of confirmed blooms are then sent to the person who reported the bloom and the relevant local authority and other stakeholders.
Members of the public can report suspected blue green algal blooms in several ways - via the Bloomin Algae App which can be downloaded at: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology | ceh.ac.uk or e-mail emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk or phone 0800 80 70 60.