Toxic algae and fish closedMoor Lough

Moor Lough, near Donemana, was one of just two Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Public Angling Estate fisheries closed due to eutrophication recently.

Ms Ní Chuilín said it was closed to anglers as a result of toxic blue green algal blooms, which through naturally occurring, produce toxins under certain conditions.

She explained: “Eutrophic lakes are especially vulnerable to algal growth as they contain very high levels of nutrients. This in combination with the other factors, such as very warm, still weather, causes a huge surge in algae growth known as a ‘bloom’.

“The presence of toxic blue green algae was detected by analysis of routine water samples by the NI Environment Agency. NIEA then alerted local Environmental Health Officers to the situation.”

Following the analysis Departmental officials decided to close the lake, which is used from March to October by anglers hunting for Brown and Rainbow trout.

The Minister explained that the lake had to be closed otherwise fishermen would potentially have been taking home toxic fish for their suppers.

“In light of any potential risk to public health, the Department closed the waters to anglers and as the toxins may accumulate in fish, and advised that fish from the affected waters should not be consumed until further notice.

“The Department sought further guidance on how long the toxins may remain in fish and this indicates that the toxins dissipate within a short period of the decline of the algal bloom,” she advised.

Moor Lough has now been reopened due to the change in weather conditions and the resultant decline in the algal blooms.

“My officials are continuing to work with colleagues in NIEA and Environmental Health to formalise protocols for this type of incident,” she concluded.