Algae levels rise again in Paynesville and Eagle Point
20 January, 2012
Monitoring of blue-green algae in the Gippsland Lakes has detected concentrations of algae in the Paynesville and Eagle Point areas at levels that could adversely affect human and animal health on contact with the water.
Paynesville and Eagle Point have both returned algal volumes above the health trigger levels for recreational waters, activating the re-installation of signs warning people to avoid contact with the water.
Regional Coordinator for the bloom response, Dr Daniel Mainville said the regular testing across the Lakes continues and means that the public can be immediately advised when levels rise above the point at which human health might be at risk.
Signs warning against swimming and other contact with the water have been installed at the following locations:
- Paynesville
- Eagle Point
- Metung
- Bunga Arm
- Ocean Grange
- Steamer Landing
The Lakes Entrance and Jones Bay areas and areas west of Paynesville currently remain at low levels and are safe for recreational water use. Lake Tyers remains free of blue-green algae.
Mussels, prawns and crabs caught anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes are not safe for human consumption. The signs warning people not to eat mussels, prawns or crabs caught in the Lakes will stay in place until testing shows that levels of the toxins in seafood have declined enough to lift the advisories.
The Department of Health advises that people can fish in the Lakes, but anglers are advised to remove and discard the gills and guts before cooking. Blue-green algae toxin concentrates in the internal organs of fish and fish should not be cooked whole as this will re-distribute toxins from the gut to the fish flesh, making it unsafe to eat.
Toxin levels in seafood will continue to be monitored. As soon as testing shows that seafood in affected areas is safe for human consumption the public will be informed.
The levels of algae in the water will also continue to be monitored on a regular basis and the public will continue to be informed about any changes in those levels.
Information about blue-green algae is available on the DSE water website www.water.vic.gov.au/environment/algae and from DSE’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186.