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 ol...