County Derry beach and river users urged to be vigilant over blue-green algae

The public is being urged to remain cautious when visiting beaches and rivers in the Causeway Coast and Glens area over the autumn and winter months, due to the potential presence of blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae has been travelling downstream from Lough Neagh, impacting facilities along the River Bann and coastal areas in the Borough.

While the occurrences of these blooms has reduced over recent weeks, due mainly to the colder weather and changing tidal conditions, it is still possible that blooms may arrive on our shores over the coming weeks and months.

To help keep people safe from the effects of blue-green algae – which can be harmful to humans and potentially lethal to animals – Council is highlighting the following safety advice:

If you suspect the presence of blue-green algae, please STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY FROM THE WATER.

You should avoid water that -

smells bad

looks discoloured (often a pea green colour)

has foam or scum on the surface

has dead fish or other animals washed up on its shore

Not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic. However, you cannot tell if a bloom is toxic by looking at it, so it is best to assume it is harmful and take the following precautions:

keep dogs on leads; do not allow dogs to drink from or swim in affected areas

refrain from immersive activities including swimming and the launching of paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft

do not swallow the water

do not allow the algae to come into contact with your skin

do not eat fish caught recreationally from the water

Council staff will continue to monitor beaches and other sites for any visual presence of blue-green algae. Warning signage has been erected at locations where we believe blue-green algae to be present.

A Council spokesperson said: “While the presence of blue-green algae at locations in the Borough has reduced since the summer months, the safety advice remains the same.

“We would urge all recreational users of beaches and rivers in the Borough to exercise caution and follow the existing safety advice.

“Council will continue to work closely with DAERA, which is the lead Stormont Department for matters relating to Lough Neagh and is also responsible for bathing water quality testing.”