Larne Lough

Site information

Larne Lough is a sea lough situated on the east coast of Northern Ireland, enclosed to the east by the peninsula of Islandmagee. The main freshwater sources are Glynn and Larne rivers.

Characteristics

Volume
(millions m3)		 Total area (km2) Maximum depth (m) Catchment area (km2) Temperature range (ºC) Mean salinity Flushing time (days) Freshwater run-off
(millions m3 y-1)
27 8 10 115 4-18 33 2-20 101

Nutrients

Mean nutrient concentration (μmol l-1)

Ammonium Nitrate Phosphorus Silicate
2.57 8.13 0.63 9

Nutrient load (ton year-1)

Nitrogen Phosphorus
300 6

Aquaculture

Licensed sites Total aquaculture area (km2) Species
6 0.9 Mussels and oysters

Conservation


Larne Lough

ASSI - Area of Special Scientific Interest
RAMSAR site
SPA - Special Protection Area
NNR – National Nature Reserve
RSPB reserve
Larne Lough