Long-term water quality monitoring and pollution control

An assessment programme was initiated in 1971 by the Inland Fisheries Trust to establish the trophic status of the midland trout lakes (Lough Ennell, Lough Owel and Lough Sheelin) and following a significant and dramatic change in the ecological conditions in Lough Ennell between 1972 and 1974, the programme was extended to the large western lakes (Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and Lough Carra) in 1975. Inland Fisheries Ireland have continued this lake water quality monitoring programme to the present and the IFI laboratory have been analysing the samples since the inception of the programme. Much of this information has been published in peer reviewed articles. This information assists Inland Fisheries Ireland in managing our inland waterways in a sustainable manner.

In response to chronic episodic pollution in many river and lake catchments and resulting deterioration of water quality within lakes intensive water quality sampling programmse have been initiated by IFI in selected catchments throughout the country, e.g. Lough Sheelin catchment. This monitoring programme was initiated in 1982 with the aim of identifying problem areas, quantifying the effects of the deterioration in water quality on the trout populations in the lake, taking corrective actions and restoring the lake to a premium brown trout fishery. The Lough Sheelin catchment water quality sampling programme involves the sampling of the 12 tributary streams three times per week and a monthly lake sample. Water samples are analysed for Total Phosphorus, Orthophosphate (molybdate reactive phosphate), Total Nitrogen and Total Oxidised Nitrogen. A rapid response from the IFI Water Chemistry Laboratory Technician following analysis flags high readings and identifies water quality issues within the catchment and these are followed on the ground up by regional enforcement staff.

Further Information

Dr. Fiona Kelly
(Senior Research Officer)
Tel: +353 (0)1 884 2600