Lough Melvin originates from the end of the last Ice Age with a catchment lying mainly in the Republic of Ireland. The catchment is relatively small for such an expansive waterbody (15.8 million m3). The lough is fed by five major rivers; and drains into the Drowes River, a 7km outlet into Donegal Bay.
The water is in a relatively pristine state, as it has not been artificially enriched by pollutants. Most of the shoreline and shallow margins of the lough are exposed to wave action and have a rocky character.
The lough itself is characterised by open water plant communities typical of mesotrophic (unenriched) conditions, a narrow fringe of emergent swamp and fen and a number of wooded islands. In addition, some of the surrounding lands contain traditionally managed grasslands including Fen Meadow that are rich in plant species. The wide range of habitats is reflected in the diversity of plant and animal communities present. Lough Melvin is of particular importance for its fish population.
Related articles
- ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
- Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
- Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
- European Marine Sites - Marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas
- Introduction to Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation
- Marine Conservation Zones
- Marine Protected Areas
- Marine Ramsar sites
- Special Areas of Conservation
- Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
- Special Protection Areas