Do a little – save the Loch – Fishupdate.com

Do a little – save the Loch Published:  12 July, 2005

SCOTLAND’S environmental watchdog is urging householders and businesses around Loch Lomond and the Endrick/Blane valley to protect wildlife and fish by reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the Loch. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is looking at several ways to reduce the phosphorus problem in Loch Lomond.

Sharon Docherty, SEPA Environment Protection Officer said: “The Loch is large and beautiful, but we cannot continue to use it as a sink and expect it to stay that way. The ecosystem is surprisingly fragile and susceptible to nutrient enrichment, which can result in an algal bloom, a green or blue ‘scum’ on the surface.

“Changes need to be made now to avoid this ‘scummy soup’ effect, which disturbs the balance of wildlife in the water and effects water quality.” SEPA has produced a leaflet which is designed to give householders practical advice to reduce phosphorus from their everyday activities. Copies of the leaflet will be distributed to local libraries within the next week and can also be found on the SEPA website www.sepa.org.uk.

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