A new pilot project has been launched on the River Derg to
explore how in-river monitoring technology could support the
identification of poor water-quality events.
The project brings together the Northern Ireland Environment
Agency (NIEA), the Loughs Agency and the Foyle Association of
Salmon and Trout Anglers, known as FASTA. It will assess the use
of in-situ monitoring within the River Derg catchment and examine
how changes in key water-quality parameters may correlate with
recorded pollution incidents.
The pilot project will examine how continuous monitoring
technology can help identify short-duration water-quality events
and will use monitoring equipment capable of recording parameters
including temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH and
turbidity. Depending on the equipment and signal availability,
information will be collected through telemetry or data loggers.
The River Derg has been selected because of its ecological
importance and its role as a source of drinking water. The River
Derg and Mourne River water bodies have also experienced a series
of pollution incidents.
Existing NIEA monitoring at three Water Framework Directive
locations on the River Derg is based on monthly sampling. While
this provides important evidence about the river's condition, it
offers limited information on short-duration pollution events.
The pilot will therefore examine the added value that more
frequent in-situ monitoring could provide.
Minister Muir said: "Protecting and improving water quality
remains a key priority for my department. The River Derg is an
important ecological asset and a vital source of drinking water,
and it is essential that we continue to enhance our understanding
of the pressures affecting it.
This innovative pilot project demonstrates the value of
partnership working between the Northern Ireland Environment
Agency, the Loughs Agency and the Foyle Association of Salmon and
Trout Anglers. By using continuous in-river monitoring
technology, we will strengthen our evidence base and explore new
ways of identifying and responding to water quality issues.
Through working together and embracing innovation, we can better
protect our rivers, support biodiversity, safeguard drinking
water resources and help deliver a healthier water environment
for local communities and future generations."
Seamus Cullinan, Director of Conservation and Protection at
Loughs Agency, said: The River Derg is an important waterway for
Atlantic salmon and trout, and it is vital that we protect it for
future generations. Through our engagement with FASTA, Loughs
Agency is committed to addressing water quality concerns and
tackling the issues contributing to them. We greatly value the
cooperation with FASTA, DAERA and other stakeholders to safeguard
the river.
Mr David Nelson, Secretary of the Foyle Association of Salmon and
Trout Anglers, said: FASTA Chairperson, Mr Francis Curran extends
his gratitude to Minister Muir for his attention, and support of
the River Derg pollution project.
We also thank our partners, the Loughs Agency and DAERA, who
successfully collaborated to secure technical solutions following
FASTA discussions.
FASTA acknowledge and thank the contribution of the local
business and farming community in County Tyrone during
consultation.
"Academic research delivered by Dr Vincent Lusby QUB, reinforced
our team priorities. The Chairman of Ballisodare Anglers Co
Sligo, Mr Gerry Merrick, facilitated other important onsite
academic research at the fishery. This cross-border angling
partnership and research, proved critical to our negotiation
team.
Finally, my personal congratulations to our FASTA negotiation
team, drawn from all of our community and private angling groups
that manage and oversee Game Angling on The River Derg.
The team was highly motivated, respectful during communication,
and committed to the principle of working in partnership, to
achieve water quality improvements on our River Derg.
The findings from the pilot will inform consideration of how
in-situ technology could complement existing monitoring and
support a better understanding of water-quality events within the
catchment.
