Lough Melvin

Lough Melvin is a lake which is internationally renowned for its unique range of plants and animals. It is located in the northwest of the island of Ireland on the border between County Leitrim (in Ireland) and County Fermanagh (in the United Kingdom).The lake covers an area of 2000 hectares and is famous for its early "run" of Atlantic salmon. In relatively pristine condition, the lake and surrounding catchment area (265 km²) is valued for its recreational, heritage and environmental values by anglers, tourists, scientists and the local community. Otter, Arctic char, and three species of trout (sonaghan, gillaroo, ferox) are among the many species that live in or around the lake. Within the catchment, the endangered globeflower, Molinia meadows and sessile oak woodlands can be found.Conservation and protectionDue to the diversity and rarity of Lough Melvin and its species, the lake has been designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Within the Lough Melvin catchment, there are two other SAC's (Arroo Mountain and West-Fermanagh Scarplands). SAC's are prime wildlife conservation areas considered important at an international level. Those habitats and species designated as SAC's are required to be protected under EU law.