Lakes in Ireland: mirrors of change

Abstract

Water is the defining element of Ireland’s natural heritage. The mild, wet climate shapes the landscape, endowing the island with an extraordinary number of lakes. This book showcases these lakes, emphasising the importance of aquatic biodiversity, water quality, and environmental health. Unfortunately, many iconic and less well known lakes face threats from pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Key academics and professionals share knowledge and research experiences on Lakes in Ireland – Mirrors of Change in twenty-two chapters. The book highlights the urgent need for radical changes in land use and the prioritisation of lake protection. Key knowledge gaps are identified and chapter authors provide fifty recommendations for research, policy change, and coordinated action to safeguard Ireland’s lakes. Aimed at practitioners, students, decision-makers, and the public, this peer-reviewed, open-access e-book is freely available on the Marine Institute Open Access Repository, thanks to generous sponsors, in particular the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Marine Institute and Mary Immaculate College.