Anglers seriously concerned about blue green algae on Lough Melvin

The National Anglers Representative Association is seriously concerned about reports over the weekend in relation to the death of dogs resulting from the presence of blue green algae on Lough Melvin which is predominantly in Co Leitrim and straddles the border of Co Fermanagh.

The presence of blue green algae is indicative of a deterioration of water quality.

Lough Melvin is one of the few remaining wild trout and salmon habitats within Europe.  Salmon are a protected species under the EU habitats directive and are currently in serious decline. 

Lough Melvin also holds a population of Sonagahn Trout which are found nowhere else in the world and are unique to Lough Melvin.

"It is not acceptable that an environment for such important species is threatened with deteriorating water quality," said Éamonn Ross, Secretary, National Anglers Representative Association.

"Lough Melvin is also the source for drinking water for a substantial population of people both north and south.  This must be of serious concern to all those who have statutory responsibility for water quality in both parts of Ireland," he added.  

NARA are calling on the Governments in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to immediately establish a joint North South management working group for Lough Melvin with a specific remit of improving water quality in the lake and protecting this important wild trout and salmon habitat.