Fisherman: Lough Neagh Is Already Dead

A Lough in Crisis: The Voices of Protest

A man who spent decades as a fisherman on Lough Neagh has declared the UK’s largest freshwater lake “already dead.” Declan Coney made these remarks during a demonstration in Antrim, where dozens of protestors gathered to express their frustration over what they see as a lack of action regarding blue-green algae and pollution.

The issue has become increasingly urgent. Blue-green algae has been detected more than 100 times across Northern Ireland this year, with most sightings concentrated in Lough Neagh, the Lower Bann, and Lough Erne. In recent years, the lough has suffered from large blooms of this potentially toxic algae, causing significant environmental and health concerns.

Coney shared his personal connection to the lough, saying, "To me, personally, the lough is dead. It's not dying, it is dead." He highlighted the devastating impact of the algae and pollution on local wildlife, noting that his daughter, who is 12 years old, used to be deeply involved in activities like birdwatching and butterfly recording. However, those activities have now come to a standstill.

The protest was organized by the group Save Lough Neagh, which has repeatedly raised concerns about the state of the lough. Campaigner Patsy O'Malley Boyd expressed sadness over having to organize another demonstration, stating there has been “no change” in the lough’s condition. She emphasized that she feels like no one is listening to their concerns.

Environmental Neglect and Frustration

Mary O'Hagan, a founding member of Save Lough Neagh, said many people are frustrated and angry about the current state of the lough. She pointed out that funding for various sectors, including health, education, and roads, is lacking in the Executive. However, the environment is consistently at the bottom of the priority list.

This frustration has grown over the years, with the situation worsening each year. O'Hagan noted that this is the worst year they’ve seen so far. She also stressed that people may not fully understand the negative impact of the pollution on public health.

Save Lough Neagh is calling for several measures to address the issues. These include establishing an independent protection agency and ending commercial dredging. They believe these steps could help reverse the damage being done to the lough.

Government Response and Ongoing Efforts

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) stated that the minister, Andrew Muir, has been clear about the actions needed to tackle the blue-green algae problem in Lough Neagh and other waterways. They also mentioned that political support will be necessary for these actions to proceed.

Last year, a Lough Neagh Action Plan was approved by the executive. DAERA reported that 14 out of 37 actions have been completed, with another 22 currently in progress. Scientific research indicates that the main source of pollution in Lough Neagh comes from agriculture, with additional contributions from wastewater treatment, septic tank seepage, and industrial activities around the shores.

The Growing Concern Over Algae Blooms

The presence of blue-green algae continues to be a major concern. Efforts are underway to address the issue, but many feel that more needs to be done. The ongoing blooms have led to a noticeable decline in bird life on the lough, further highlighting the ecological crisis.

As the situation remains critical, the voices of those affected by the pollution grow louder. Their calls for action and accountability reflect a deep-seated worry about the future of Lough Neagh and its surrounding environment.