Two of Northern Ireland’s most popular beaches have been “red-flagged” by the RNLI as unsafe for swimming.
Castlerock and Portstewart Strands have both tested positive for blue green algae which can pose serious health problems in humans and has already proved deadly to at least seven dogs in the last seven weeks.
The National Trust highlighted the problem on social media, saying the bacteria has come from a fresh water source most likely at the River Bann.
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Their Twitter post tells visitors to the beaches to stay out of the water.
They state: “Warning! Beach has been red-flagged by RNLI and it is unsafe for bathing due to blue-green algae.
"DAERA sampling took place on Wednesday 5 July and has confirmed the presence of potentially toxic blue-green algae at Castlerock, with suspected blue green algae noted at Portstewart.
"These are freshwater species and the source is likely to be the River Bann. DAERA Emergency Pollution are aware of the situation.
"Please protect yourself and others by staying out of the water."
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs sampling on Wednesday, June 5, “confirmed” algae at Castlerock and “suspected blue-green algae” at Portstewart strand. Both beaches remain marked as “fully open”.
But the RNLI red-flag status means bathing is not permitted and people should not enter the water under any circumstances.
Substantial areas of Northern Ireland are now affected by the presence of blue green algae and three local council areas have issued urgent warnings over the bacteria which is infecting waterways and lying in stagnant areas on the shore.
Mid Ulster District Council is the latest to confirm they have identified the toxic algae in their vicinity, at Ballyronan Marina and Battery Harbour.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have taken down warning signs about the water in the Lough Melvin area and swapped them for signage urging the public to stay away from the water and the shoreline. They have identified three types of blue green algae in the lough and in decomposing matter on land. Six dogs have died after visiting the area in recent days.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have also confirmed the presence of the algae following tests after nine-month-old dog, Harley, died after walking on the shores of Lough Neagh last month. Two dogs died last May in similar circumstances.
An expert in blue green algae says the death of dogs in Northern Ireland “didn’t have to happen” and an action plan to eradicate the bacteria is available.
But we can reveal that NIEA has admitted that it does not have the resources to monitor and sample every algal bloom in Northern Ireland and their approach has been criticised as amounting to a "watch and wait" process amid a reliance on reports from members of the public.
What is Blue Green Algae
Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that produces harmful toxins which take effect when eaten, inhaled or skin contact is made. In recent days seven dogs have died after being in areas now confirmed to be affected by the algae.
It can also create issues for humans and contact with affected water can cause skin irritation, mild respiratory effects and hayfever-like symptoms. Ingesting toxins can also cause gastroenteritis symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches and the toxins can also have an effect on the liver and the nervous system.
The deaths of seven dogs have already been attributed to the bacteria, six who had been in the Lough Melvin area of Co Fermanagh and one in Newtownabbey.
Emma Cunningham, North Coast General Manager at The National Trust said: "We’re really disappointed that people can’t use these beaches and unfortunately the presence of these algal blooms at beaches is a symptom of a wider problem of poor water quality. The most recent government report on water quality in Northern Ireland found that that no rivers or lakes are in good condition, meaning that we are failing to keep our rivers and lakes clean and healthy. The Neagh Bann catchment is a vital ecosystem and this presence of algae is a sign that we need to better look after our inland and coastal waters.
“The Department for Infrastructure (DFI) is currently consulting on a budget that proposes not to treat wastewater, which would potentially see an increase in sewage getting into the water systems. We’re working with partners across the environment sector to oppose any measures that would see any more backward steps in water quality.
“The Public Health Agency advises that anyone who has come into contact with water containing blue-green algae should shower with fresh water immediately. If you have come into contact or drunk affected water and feel unwell you should obtain medical attention. Symptoms generally begin within hours after exposure. DAERA Emergency Pollution are aware of the situation. "
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