Green wave on the North Coast

NORTH Coast beaches were turned green last weekend by a surge of algae transported from Lough Neagh by the River Bann.

Portstewart and Castlerock Strands were worst affected but reports of blue green algae have also been received from Benone and West Bay Portrush.

Last week the Chronicle reported on warnings from environment officials to beach operators that “a large quantity” of blue green algae was moving down the River Bann towards the sea.

It was late on Friday (October 9) when Causeway Coast and Glens Council issued a ‘no bathing’ advisories at Castlerock and Portstewart.

“The public are asked to be vigilant to the possible presence of Blue Green Algae and if suspected:

Don’t play with scum or mats on the shore; Don’t let animals drink water, eat algae or swim; Don’t swim; Don’t fish or wade; Don’t boat or kayak.

Pet owners were also told to ensure animals did not have access to the water. Dogs should be kept on a lead and away from the tide line, the council said.

The National Trust which operates Portstewart Strand said it had been advised to issue “precautionary advice.”

“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,” states a social media post.

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.”

While ‘no bathing’ warnings were issued on Friday, its understood the situation worsened with strong onshore winds the following day.

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 the arrival of seasonal swell.

Saturday’s strong winds also attracted kitesurfers to Portstewart Strand.

“It was really thick with it in the corner, down by the rocks. It appeared gloopy and quite luminous along the shoreline,” one local kitesurfer told the Chronicle.

“There were four of us kiting and I was already in the water when I noticed it but there were also a number of cold-water swimmers out.”