Rapid Risk Assessment: What is the risk from microcystins in the edible flesh of fish caught from Lough Neagh?
Key sources of uncertainty - Microcystins in Fish
Northern Ireland specific
Key sources of uncertainty regarding the samples of fish, timings, and viscera
The samples of fish were not taken directly from algal bloom affected areas of the Lough. Therefore, it is not clear whether the Lough contains fish containing higher concentrations of microcystins or additional cyanobacterial toxins to the fish sampled. However, the risks from microcystins relate to long term consumption and it is unlikely that anglers would be catching fish directly within algal blooms.
The risk assessment is based on fish samples taken in autumn 2023 and it is unclear whether microcystin concentrations in fish and in cyanobacteria will change over time.
It is uncertain how much viscera may be consumed inadvertently due to inadequate evisceration or contamination of edible flesh by viscera.