Lough Melvin Catchment Action Plan launched

Kinlough Community Development Company Ltd working in conjunction with the Garrison Lough Melvin Angling Association, Kinlough and District Angling Club, Rossinver and District Angling Club, Rossinver Fishery and the Drowes Fishery, appointed independent fisheries and environmental consultants Paul Johnston Associates Ltd to review the environmental quality of Lough Melvin, County Leitrim/ Fermanagh and risks to its water quality, fisheries, and associated biodiversity.

Paul Johnston Associates, a leading fisheries consultancy specialising in fisheries conservation and freshwater ecology, is pleased to announce the publication of a comprehensive report highlighting effective methods to safeguard the water quality and enhance the fisheries and biodiversity of Lough Melvin in Counties Leitrim and Fermanagh.

Titled "Lough Melvin Catchment Action Plan” this report presents a thorough analysis of the current state of the lake's ecosystems, the up-to-date policy landscape applicable to the loughs protection, and offers strategic and practical recommendations to ensure its long-term sustainability. 
The report reviews and builds upon the recommendations made in the “Lough Melvin Catchment Management Plan” published by the then Northern Regional Fisheries Board in 2008. 

Lough Melvin, renowned for its ecological significance and rich biodiversity, faces numerous challenges that threaten its delicate balance. The report examines the major factors affecting water quality and fisheries biodiversity, including pollution, habitat degradation, and invasive species, and makes recommendations to address these issues helping to improve the situation.

The key findings of the report shed light on the pressing issues and propose a range of actionable solutions. These recommendations include:

 1. Implementing and enforcing stringent pollution control measures to minimise contamination from agricultural runoff, forestry, housing and local sewage treatment works.

2. Habitat restoration and protection efforts to enhance fish habitats spawning, and foraging grounds for fish species and conditions for thriving aquatic and riparian biodiversity.

3. Implementation of appropriate planning policies designed to conserve and protect the Special Area of Conservation including unique fish populations.

4. Developing comprehensive monitoring programmes to assess water quality and fish stocks in a coordinated manner across the catchment.

5. Collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and stakeholders to raise awareness and foster collective responsibility for the lake's conservation and protection.

Dr. David Kelly, lead consultant and one of the authors of the report, stated, "Lough Melvin holds immense ecological value and is a vital resource for both biodiversity and the local community. Improving the condition of the lake will require a coordinated cross border initiative by both governments to address their obligations under the EU Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive.  
"We also believe there will be a key role for the local community in driving this forward, and our report aims to provide a strategic framework for the project to succeed, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for this important and unique waterbody." 

Kinlough Community Development Company’s chairperson Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock, launching the report, said while he welcomed the report he cautioned all stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, local communities, and individuals. 
“We must take heed of the findings and recommendations of this report before it is too late,” he said.
Expressing his thanks to Mr Brian Smyth of Leitrim Development Company for their funding of this critical study and to Garrison Lough Melvin Angling Association, Kinlough and District Angling Club, Rossinver and District Angling Club, Rossinver Fishery and the Drowes Fishery for their support and financial aid he added, “we must act now to safeguard Lough Melvin’s precious ecosystems and it is essential that Government stakeholders on both sides of the border do the right thing now and not only support this report but actively implement its recommendations before it's too late.”

This study received grant aid from Leitrim Local Community Development Committee under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) which is financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2014-2022 and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

To access the full report, please visit the Kinlough Community Website or contact loughmelvin22@gmail.com