Five suppliers have been appointed to treat and reduce blue-green algae in Lough Neagh.
Noxious blooms have covered large parts of the lough and affected other waterways and beaches over the last two summers in Northern Ireland.
The Stormont Executive has launched an action plan to deal with the algae in the lough.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir met those tasked on Thursday at Parliament Buildings in Belfast.
Five suppliers will develop potential solutions to treat the blue-green algae (SBRI/PA)
They include the Queen’s University Belfast, Wholeschool Software Ltd (Biild), Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd, Clear Water Systems Ltd and Helix 8 Ltd.
Mr Muir said the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) is part of his 37-point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, approved by the Executive in the summer.
“I am determined to deliver on the commitments contained within it. Many actions are already under way,” he said.
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“This first phase of the initiative has been developed to explore solutions to treat and reduce blue-green algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh, and can hopefully be applied to any area that has been affected by the bacteria.
“However, we must remember, this alone will not solve the blue green algae crisis.
“There is a significant amount of work to do to restore the lough and enhance water quality throughout Northern Ireland which will take both time and resources.”
Ms O’Neill said protecting Lough Neagh is a priority for the Executive.
“The lough is vital for our environment, fishing, water supply, tourism and the local community.
“It is a huge asset and has so much untapped potential,” she said.
Ms Little-Pengelly said the blue-green algae blooms seen in the lough have been of ‘grave concern’ (Liam McBurney/PA)
“I look forward to seeing progress towards protecting this area of outstanding natural beauty and preserving it for future generations.”
Ms Little-Pengelly added: “The significant blue-green algae blooms we have all seen are of grave concern and I welcome the opportunity to meet with those now tasked with finding solutions to this problem.
“The health of Lough Neagh is of vital importance now and into the future and the awarding of these contracts reflects our continued commitment to taking the necessary action to improve it.”