The National Anglers Representative Association (NARA) has indicated its concern over reports at the weekend that a number of dogs died after being poisoned by blue green algae on Lough Melvin along the Fermanagh/Leitrim border.
It says the presence of the algae highlights the deterioration of water quality in the area. Meanwhile, Lough Melvin is one of the few remaining wild trout and salmon habitats in Europe and boasts a population of Sonagahn Trout which are found nowhere else in the world and are unique to Lough Melvin.
The NARA says it's not acceptable that an environment for such important species is now being threatened by deteriorating water quality. It pointed out that Lough Melvin is also the source of drinking water for a substantial population of people both north and south of the border.
Secretary of the Association, Éamonn Ross, says the emerging situation is of serious concern to all those who have statutory responsibility for water quality in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Lough Melvin, meanwhile, lies predominantly in the Republic of Ireland but there is a substantial portion of the lake in the North.
