This week Galway Bay FM looked at water pollution in Galway waterways with Billy Kavanagh of The East Corrib Alliance.
Did you know…
- The three main sources of pollution in Irish lakes are agriculture, urban areas, and forestry, according to the EPA.
- Other causes include sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, and invasive species.
- Excessive nutrient levels in the water can lead to algal blooms, which can cause harm to aquatic life and make the water unusable for recreational activities.
- In addition, some lakes are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic substances, which can pose a risk to human health.
- Finally, climate change is also affecting water quality in Irish lakes, as rising temperatures can lead to changes in the balance of nutrients and other factors that affect aquatic ecosystems.
Why is protecting our waterways important for groups like the ECA?
- Protecting waterways is important for angling groups like the ECA because it helps to preserve fish populations and maintain healthy ecosystems.
- When waterways are polluted, fish and other aquatic species can become sick or die, which can make it difficult for anglers to catch fish.
- Pollution can lead to the spread of invasive species, which can displace native fish populations and upset the balance of the ecosystem.
- By taking steps to protect waterways, anglers can help to ensure that fishing remains a sustainable and enjoyable activity for generations to come.
What can I do to help protect waterways from pollution?
- Reduce agricultural runoff by using best management practices
- Improve sewage treatment systems and septic tanks to prevent leaks and overflows
- Reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides around waterways.
- Prevent littering and illegal dumping
- Promote the use of alternative transportation methods to reduce vehicle emissions
- Support the growth of riparian vegetation along waterways to help filter pollutants and stabilize the shoreline.
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more !
- Inland Fisheries Ireland https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/
- EPA https://www.epa.ie/
- National Parks and Wildlife Service https://www.npws.ie/
