# Blue-green algae blooms hit tourism and local businesses Toxic algae outbreaks in Northern Ireland's lakes disrupt summer season. - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-26 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/62e3c7ce-e1d2-42cb-9c91-336654ab3578 ## Spread of Toxic Algae Blue-green algae have reappeared in Northern Ireland's lakes, posing health risks to humans and animals. Eighty new blooms were detected in June and July alone, indicating severe water quality degradation. The toxic bacteria can cause skin irritation and illness upon contact, raising public health concerns. ## Tourism Decline Business owner Karl Toner reports a sharp drop in visitors since algae warnings were issued. Camlough Lake, usually bustling with hundreds of swimmers, now lies empty. Toner describes how the algae have 'completely killed' the summer trade, affecting his coffee cart and paddleboard rental business. ## Local Residents' Concerns Locals like Rachel and Tilly Turkington avoid entering Craigavon Lakes due to algae. Despite their interest in watersports, they refuse to use their paddleboard until water quality improves. Visible green patches and stagnant areas highlight the ongoing ecological issue. ## Root Causes Algae blooms thrive on phosphorus pollution from agriculture, wastewater, and industry. Lough Neagh's sediment contains decades-worth of accumulated phosphorus. While wind and rain delayed blooms this year, the underlying problem persists due to continuous nutrient input. ## Mitigation Efforts Policies like the Nutrient Action Programme aim to reduce pollution at its source. However, significant changes in farming and water treatment practices are needed. Experts stress that there are no quick or easy fixes to this complex environmental challenge. ## Economic and Ecological Impact Algae outbreaks threaten both tourism and ecological balance. Without long-term solutions, water quality will not improve, and local economies will suffer further. This crisis underscores the urgent need for revised environmental policies and sustainable practices. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1m159e54l9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._