Algae turns north coast beaches green
North coast beaches were turned green during the week by a surge of algae transported from Lough Neagh by the River Bann.
Portstewart and Castlerock Strands have been worst affected but reports of blue green algae have also been received from Benone and West Bay Portrush.
Last week the Coleraine Chronicle reported on warnings from environment officials to beach operators that “a large quantity” of blue green algae is moving down the River Bann towards the sea. One week ago Causeway Coast and Glens Council issued a ‘no bathing’ advisories at Castlerock and Portstewart.
The National Trust which operates Portstewart Strand had said: “We ask that all visitors remain vigilant and stay away from the water.
"We advise that you do not swim, wade, fish, boat, or kayak at this time.
“Given the particular risk the scum poses to dogs, we also ask all dog-walkers to take extra care and keep their pets on leads at all times during this precautionary 'Red Alert', in accordance with the Inter-Agency Blue-Green Algae Protocol.”
Algae has been showing up in the Bann in large quantities since sluice gates in Toome that control Lough Neagh water levels were opened.
Last week, a statement from Stormont’s Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs hinted at its likely arrival. “The department has issued an advisory email to the North Coast bathing water operators to notify them of the large quantity of Blue Green Algal material in the Lower Bann and at the Barmouth, reminding them of the need for signage to encourage vigilance,” a DEARA spokesperson told the Chronicle.
“The presence of blue green algal material on beaches will depend on weather conditions and the flow in the River Bann. The department continues to monitor the situation and provide advice to bathing water operators.”
The official bathing season is over and lifeguards are no longer on daily patrol, however the autumn months are a favoured time for surfers with comparatively warm water.
Last Saturday’s strong winds also attracted kitesurfers to Portstewart Strand.
“It appeared gloopy and quite luminous along the shoreline,” one local kitesurfer told the Coleraine Chronicle.