Abstract
The filamentous and euryhaline red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Rhodophyta, Bangiophyceae) is a littleknown member of the Irish aquatic flora. Although a common freshwater species in the northern hemisphere, it seems that the lower Shannon Navigation is one of the principal freshwater localities for the species in Ireland. It was recorded from thirteen sites in Lough Derg in 1972 and in the 2010 survey reported here at 40 sites including islands and navigation buoys as well as on lock gates. It attaches to rocks and other hard surfaces immediately above and below the waterline. It may have been introduced to Lough Derg on the hulls of commercial vessels. Changes in climatic conditions, eutrophication, competition from other filamentous algae and fluctuating lake levels are all pressures that could affect the sustainability of Bangia within the Shannon Navigation. Nevertheless, this study shows that B. atropurpurea has persisted for at least 40 years in Lough Derg and remains widespread despite highly variable environmental conditions.
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