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Blue-green algae to be monitored from space

BBC Tree standing in the water at Lough Neagh, surrounded by algae floating in the water.BBC
It is hoped technology can help alleviate the problem with algae

Space technology is to be harnessed to predict and monitor blue-green algae in Lough Neagh.

A Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) has been launched by the UK Space Agency to support the development of technology to observe, detect and predict the development and movement of algal blooms.

The £360,000 competition is funded by the Agency’s Unlocking Space for Government (USG) programme and is being run in collaboration with NI SPACE and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) and.

The Agency says it is “particularly interested” in solutions that combine terrestrial data and services that link AI and drones with satellite data and services, along with analysis.

Lough Neagh from the shore, the water is a bright green colour.
Blue-green algae turned Lough Neagh bright green in Summer 2024

Robert Hill, the NI SPACE Cluster Manager, said “satellites can give us a unique perspective and provide us with a rich layer of information to add to our existing knowledge and understanding of environmental ecosystems.

“This SBRI competition will help us to support public sector and business community interaction and collaboration to develop new products, services and solutions in relation to the blue-green algae issue.”

Yellow sign which reads 'blue-green algae has been detected in this area' - with further detail explaining that the algae can cause rashes, eye irritation, fever and muscle pain.
Signs have been used to warn the public of the risks associated with blue-green algae

The announcement was welcomed by Environment Minister Andrew Muir, who said it would complement the work being undertaken in the Lough Neagh Action Plan which was approved by the Executive in July 2024.

And Economy Minister Conor Murphy said it would “encourage growth in the space sector and support sustainability.”

The technology will be applied to water bodies across Northern Ireland.

Three bidders will receive funding up to £120,000 each.

Phase 1 of the competition will run until March 2025, with a potential second phase to follow.

Another SBRI seeking solutions to treat, suppress or remove blue-green algae closed in September 2024.

Five applicants including Queen’s University Belfast are currently working on proof of concepts ahead of a Phase Two selection next year.

Blue-green algae once again turned Lough Neagh bright green in Summer 2024, with detections on the North Coast in August after chunks of the blooms travelled down the Lower Bann River.

But unlike July 2023, there were no bathing bans as a result.