You may have seen the disgraceful stories in recent weeks about the terrible pollution of Lough Neagh that has been occurring unabated and which has been poisonous for humans and animals, since May.
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in Ireland or the UK and due to an overload of nutrients, with agriculture mainly responsible, scientists are saying it could take 20-30 years for the lake to recover.
On this week’s episode we find out how this was allowed to happen, how it can be stopped and what it has meant for local anglers as well as local communities around the lake.
We’re joined by Dr. Les Gornall who did his Phd with Prof. R.B. Wood on Lough Neagh and by Seamus Donnelly who is Secretary of the Moyola Angling Club, and while Lough Neagh would not be known for its angling, Seamus has caught fish on it fly fishing from a drifting boat.
Seamus tells us of his experience of the thick algae bloom that is suffocating the water while Les gives the scientific background as to why this is happening and how it can be stopped.
Lough Neagh will be an open sewer if nothing is done, Les tells us in stark terms.
Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.
If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you….
Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week.
With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection.
The selection of dubbing materials is comprehensive to cover whatever you want to dress, from tiny dries to Saltwater Streamers, it is all there and some great UV mixes as well.
From the individually preened marabou feathers to the top-secret treatment applied to their NEW Ultra Dry Yarn, the whole range is packed with stand out new products, all generously served up for your benefit in a neat array of colours and sizes.
From Zonkers to CDC, Bucktail to Deer Belly, they’ve done a fantastic job, just be sure to check it out for yourselves.
So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question:
Name one of the feeder rivers on Lough Neagh?
Email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com and we’ll announce the winner on next week’s show.
Click here for Ts&Cs.
Lough Neagh will become an open sewer if nothing is done