An Evaluation of Nutrient Loading to the Freshwater Lakes, Estuarine Waters and Sea Loughs of Northern Ireland (Nutrient Budget and SIMCAT Analysis) 2001 - 2009

An investigation was undertaken by Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) for NIEA to determine the sources of nutrient loadings to the two largest freshwater lakes (Lough Neagh and Lough Erne), the six transitional waters (River Foyle, Lower Bann, Inner Lagan, Quoile Basin, Dundrum Bay and the Tidal Newry River) and four sea loughs (Lough Foyle, Belfast Lough (Inner and Outer Belfast Lough), Strangford Lough, and Carlingford Lough) of Northern Ireland for periods 2001-2003, 2004-2006 and 2007-2009. The Northern Ireland areal coverage of the study is extensive, encompassing approximately