Space technology breakthrough targets blue-green algae crisis in Lough Neagh

(L–R) James Doherty, Plastic-i, Chris McQuire, UK Space Agency, Minister Andrew Muir, Robert Hill, NI SPACE, and Maria-Valasia Peppa, Newcastle University.

In a significant advancement for environmental protection in Northern Ireland, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has unveiled the next phase of a pioneering space technology initiative aimed at combating the persistent threat of blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh.

The announcement, made at Parliament Buildings in Belfast, marks the launch of Phase 2 of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) project.

This £800,000-funded programme, supported by the UK Space Agency’s Unlocking Space for Government initiative, will develop an operational remote-sensing solution to predict, detect, and monitor cyanobacteria – the scientific name for blue-green algae – across the lough until April 2026.

Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland’s largest freshwater lake and a vital ecosystem supporting biodiversity, fishing, and recreation, has faced recurring algal blooms in recent years.

These outbreaks, often triggered by nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater, pose risks to public health, wildlife, and water quality.

The initiative represents a blend of cutting-edge innovation and practical policy, aligning seamlessly with the broader Lough Neagh Action Plan and the Inter-agency Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Protocol.

Phase 1 of the project, which ran from its launch in December 2024 to April 2025, laid the groundwork by exploring feasibility. Now, two innovative suppliers have been selected to advance to the implementation stage:

•  Plastic-i (Bloomcast NI): This team is crafting a forecasting and decision-support platform that integrates satellite imagery, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), catchment data, drone surveys, and environmental factors. The result? Actionable bloomrisk maps and predictive forecasts to empower proactive responses.

•  Newcastle University (ALGAE-Watch): Focusing on affordability and precision, this effort is enhancing a low-cost cyanobacterial sensor alongside multi-modal Earth observation analytics, bolstering early detection and warning systems.

Minister Muir emphasised the transformative potential of this investment during the launch.

“Using space technology to forecast and monitor blue-green algae is part of wider interventions to help improve Lough Neagh water quality,” he stated.

“This investment moves us from research to real-world solutions, giving our teams earlier, more accurate information and improving our monitoring capability. It shows how innovation and collaboration can deliver practical tools for environmental protection.”

The project underscores a collaborative ethos, drawing on satellite intelligence, on-site measurements, and public health advisories – particularly crucial during the summer bathing season when blooms can render beaches unsafe.

Chris McQuire, Senior Lead for the UK Space Agency’s Unlocking Space for Government programme, highlighted the broader implications.

“Through our Unlocking Space for Government programme, we’re backing cutting-edge solutions that harness the power of satellite technology and Earth observation to protect important natural resources,” he said.

“This investment shows how space technology can deliver practical benefits for communities and the environment, whilst also strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in space innovation.

“We’re excited to see how Plastic-i and Newcastle University will advance these promising technologies from research concepts into operational tools that will make a real difference for Lough Neagh.”

Local stakeholders echoed this enthusiasm. Robert Hill, NI SPACE Cluster Manager and Chair of Matrix, described the initiative as a beacon for applied technology.

“Space technology offers a plethora of solutions to many issues not least environmental ones,” he noted.

“In respect of this Small Business Research Initiative and the issue of blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh, Phase 2 is to be very welcomed. Collaborating with the UK Space Agency and DAERA and suppliers, Plastic-i and Newcastle University to create a forecasting and decision support platform, alongside sensor and multi-modal Earth observation analytics, will significantly aid in detecting and anticipating emerging environmental issues.

“This is a real-world example of how space-based technologies can be applied meaningfully to support local government and public service provision.”

From the supplier side, James Doherty of Plastic-i expressed pride in bridging science and action.

“Bloomcast NI turns world-class science into a practical tool that helps protect communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods around Lough Neagh,” he explained.

“By combining satellite imagery, drone surveys, and environmental data, we deliver AI-enabled forecasts of blue-green algal blooms. These provide government agencies and local stakeholders with the information they need to act earlier and more effectively. We are proud to work with DAERA, the UK Space Agency, and NI Space to ensure space technology makes a tangible difference on the ground in Northern Ireland.”

Similarly, Maria-Valasia Peppa from Newcastle University outlined the interdisciplinary approach.

“Leveraging interdisciplinary research excellence in the Schools of Engineering, Natural Environmental Sciences, and Computing, Newcastle University will develop a satellite, drone and in situ-sensor based algae monitoring system in Lough Neagh,” she said.

“With the recent growing concern around environmental impact, this investment from the UK Space Agency, DAERA and SBRI is timely to provide technological solutions to support societal and environmental resilience.”

This SBRI Phase 2 builds on a growing recognition of space technology’s role in tackling terrestrial challenges. By fusing orbital data with ground-level insights, the project not only addresses the immediate algae crisis but also sets a precedent for sustainable monitoring in other UK waterways.

As climate pressures intensify, such innovations could prove invaluable in safeguarding shared natural assets.

For those affected by Lough Neagh’s blooms – from anglers to families enjoying its shores – this development offers hope. Enhanced forecasting means swifter alerts, fewer health scares, and a clearer path to restoring the lough’s ecological balance.

As Minister Muir’s department pushes forward with the Lough Neagh Action Plan, initiatives like this demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based, tech-driven environmental stewardship.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed via DAERA’s updates on water quality, especially as autumn approaches and seasonal risks evolve.