Jennifer aims to look after Strangford’s precious lough

Jennifer aims to look after Strangford’s precious lough

24 July 2013

FROM bugs to birds, Jennifer Firth grew up on the shores of Strangford Lough fascinated by all its lifeforms.

Spending most of her childhood outdoors by its rock pools, she knew from an early age that a typical office job wasn’t for her.

Studying Marine Biology at Queen’s University the Kircubbin woman went on to work as a guide at the Exploris aquarium in Portaferry and later as a nature conservation advisor with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

It is her latest role as a Strangford Lough Ranger, however, that Jennifer is really relishing. Working for the DOE’s Marine Division, her role is to monitor the Lough for damaging activities, especially in relation to the recent by-laws aimed at restoring the decimated horse mussel reefs.

Surprisingly she is the Lough’s first ranger — with the DOE taking the lead from similar posts created in England and Scotland after its Marine Division was set up in 2012.

Jennifer can issue cautions to those flouting the by-laws and report them to the Environmental Crime Unit, but educating as opposed to enforcing is what she hopes will be the main part of her job.

“I want to work quite closely with the people who use the Lough,” she said. “Mainly I want to talk to people, and aim to be out and about as much as possible.

“I often meet with local community groups to discuss ongoing conservation projects. One important part of this job is to provide training for local lough users in how to minimise their environmental impact. We have recently provided WiSe (Wildlife Safe) training to local businesses and government employees on how to limit disturbance to wildlife around the coast.

“Once a month I also carry out seal and cetacean (whales and dolphins) counts which contribute to a nationwide monitoring programme. This involves being out at specific locations within the Lough and taking records of species which I encounter.”

Among the issues of concern to Jennifer while out and about on patrol has been recent motorbike activity at Greyabbey Bay near Mid Island.

“These are mud flats, with sinking bits,” she said. “People standing on this could get into trouble. The eel grass beds grown on the mudflats are very important for the migrating birds such as the Brent Geese. By driving over this it can eliminate this area for the birds.

“I also want to raise awareness of what happens when people disturb seals in the area. People are naturally curious when they see a seal, but it can cause them to rush off too quickly. They can injure themselves and their pups can die. It’s not to get at anyone but just to educate people that the seals can be very skittish.”

One of most important aspects of her work will be helping to prevent any type of fishing or recreational activity that could further disturb the horse mussel reefs — an important part of the Strangford Lough ecosystem.

Restrictions on certain types of fishing haven’t always been popular with those trying to make a living on the Lough, but Jennifer is clear that if these restrictions aren’t made, there will be little left of value.

“Fishermen can damage the reefs with their gear, but this is certainly not all fishermen,” she said.

“I have also talked to some of the sailing clubs who want to have racing events and organised one-off permits. The Lough is really carefully laid out in zones to protect it.”

Jennifer is based at the Strangford Lough Office in Portaferry four days a week, while working with DOE colleagues in Belfast one day a week. For her it is the perfect combination. And when she’s not working it is still very much the outdoors life for her, with kayaking, surfing, rock climbing, hiking and camping among her list of hobbies.

“I feel very privileged to be working in my local area and helping to protect Strangford Lough, which has been a huge part of my life growing up and is where I first realised I wanted to work in conservation,” she said.

“Since a child I have been fascinated by the diverse range of species and habitats there. I practically lived in the rock pools and always had a jar of beasties to hand.

“I am happiest when I’m outdoors amongst the wildlife. I like working with the community to improve our environment. I like to think that I am helping to conserve Strangford Lough for future generations to use and love as I have.”