Blue-Green Algae - News Update
Blue-Green algae, or cyanobacteria as they are correctly called, have the potential to release toxins and the public is reminded that blue-green algae can be harmful to humans and is highly toxic to animals.
What to do if you think you see blue-green algae
DAERA has worked with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), NI Water, Food Standard Authority, and the Public Health Agency on the production of an Inter-Agency Blue- Green Algae Monitoring Protocol. The protocol describes the roles and responsibilities of both organisations and individuals, as well as how we monitor different types of waterways, depending on usage. It details the DAERA Response Protocol for surveillance and monitoring blue-green algae and outlines the Bathing Water Monitoring in place since 2024.
NIEA will continue to investigate reports of algal blooms submitted through the incident hotline or Bloomin’ Algae App to confirm if blue green algae are present. Notifications of confirmed blooms are then sent to the person who reported the bloom and the relevant local authority and other stakeholders.
Members of the public can report suspected blue green algal blooms in several ways - via the Bloomin Algae App which can be downloaded at: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology | ceh.ac.uk or e-mail emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk or phone 0800 80 70 60.
Blue-Green Algae Location Viewer Now Interactive
The confirmed locations of blue-green algae in Northern Ireland is now available on an interactive viewer. This user-friendly viewer allows you to check locations you are interested in.
The confirmed locations datasets are updated on a weekly basis, so you are able to check this on a regular basis for any changes in your area.
Blue-Green Algae - Confirmed Locations
Lough Neagh Platform coming soon
This Lough Neagh science platform has been developed under Actions 2 and 33 of the DAERA Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan. This online portal provides up to near real time water quality.
This platform will be developed over time to include other monitoring datasets.
It provides an improved scientific understanding and can be used to inform education and knowledge exchange programmes and support stakeholder engagement.
It should be noted that all data is collected from a constantly changing natural environment and is non-validated. Data loading may be slow at peak times, especially when displaying longer term data sets.