Marine Notice
No. 78 of 2023

Erne System and Lower Bann Navigation

Blue-Green Algae Blooms

Advisory Information

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise that Blue-Green algae is present in a number of locations on the Erne System and Lower Bann Navigation. Blue-Green algae blooms can be toxic to humans and potentially lethal to animals, under certain conditions.

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all recreational users of the Erne System and Lower Bann including pet owners, both on and adjacent to the waterways, to comply with any notices placed by the Local Authority and avoid contact or immersive activities in areas where Blue-Green algae are present. Waterways Ireland jetties and slipways remain open, however the public are advised to refrain from immersive activities including swimming and not to allow pets to drink from or swim in affected areas. The surface of slipways can become slippery due to algae build up, Waterways Ireland advise additional caution when using slipway facilities in affected areas.

Please report encounters with Blue-Green algae blooms on the inland waterways through either of the following means:
• Local Authority Environmental Health Section
• Via the Bloomin’ Algae App which is free to download from the AppStore or Google Play
• Through the NIEA incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or email emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk

Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

P Harkin
Inspector of Navigation
18 August 2023

“Waterways Ireland, managing and promoting the inland waterways for the benefit of all…”

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