Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland. It is a protected area of special scientific interest and the source of 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water.
But it’s also the site of a severe environmental crisis and a public health emergency. Located about 20 miles west of Belfast, the lough has turned thick with toxic blue-green algae, resulting in the demise of both its own wildlife and people’s pets.
This situation has brought about a sense of mourning among local people and activists who, in September 2023, held a “wake” to highlight their fears that the lough is dying. Lough Neagh’s historic fishing industry, which is known for its use of sustainable and traditional methods, also faces the threat of collapse unless conditions improve.
