The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that a research vessel will help in the monitoring of blue green algae on Lough Neagh.
At around 19 miles long and 9 miles wide, Lough Neagh is the largest lake on the island of Ireland and in the UK.
Last year, blooms of blue-green algae covered large portions of the lake during the summer and also impacted other water courses. The algae has reappeared this year.
DAERA has previously stated that excess nutrients from agricultural activities and wastewater pressures are “primarily” to blame for the growth of the blue-green algae in Northern Ireland’s waters.
The situation has been worsened by climate change resulting in record high water temperature and the presence of the zebra mussel.
Lough Neagh
Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir recently visited Ballyronan Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh to officially handover the research vessel “Salar” from DAERA to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
AFBI scientists will use the vessel to help with their research programme into blue green algae in Lough Neagh which includes examining the ecological function and status of the lake.
The vessel will enable AFBI to develop its science programme and build on a 50-year water quality monitoring programme.
DAERA said that the vessel is “a flexible, adaptable and value for money solution to perform essential research on the biological and environmental processes which influence water quality and the ecological integrity in Lough Neagh”.
Minister Muir said that his department has reviewed how its vessels can be best utilised.
“The transfer of this asset represents both value to the public purse as well as my commitment to address the blue green algae crisis in our waterways.
“Through collaboration and dedicated research, this new research platform will help deliver my vision to have a healthy, resilient environment with high water quality status and environment standards thereby contributing to the health and wellbeing of our citizens,” he added.
The Salar was previously used to deliver marine conservation work on the north coast of Northern Ireland. This work is now covered by other vessels, including DAERA’s new research vessel.
The 21-year-old vessel underwent inspections, repairs and sea trials between April and August 2024 to satisfy AFBI of the seaworthiness and suitability of the boat for its research purposes.
Pieter-Jan Schon, director of environment and marine science at AFBI said that “the sharing of resources demonstrates the strong joined up approach within the public sector to better support the recovery of the Lough ecosystem”.
