Blue-green algae alert remains current for Lake Connewarre and Barwon Estuary
27 January, 2012
Regular monitoring of Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve and sections of the Barwon Estuary continues to show blue-green algae presence at concentrations exceeding recreational health alert levels.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria advise that concentrations of blue-green algae are also present on sections of the beach around 18W, east from the Barwon River mouth.
The blue-green algae species Nodularia spumigena is potentially toxic to humans and domestic animals. It may produce the toxin, nodularin, which acts as a liver toxin. If consumed this toxin may cause symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain or jaundice.
If water looks greenish or has a scum on the surface the concentration of blue-green algae is likely to be harmful.
Direct contact with blue-green algae affected water may result in skin irritation, respiratory effects and hay-fever like symptoms.
If contact is made with affected water, remove affected clothing and wash skin thoroughly with clean water after coming ashore. Wetsuits should be thoroughly rinsed before being worn again to remove any traces of algae. Boats should be also washed to avoid blue green algae transfer to other waters.
Parks Victoria District Chief Ranger Siobhan Rogan said additional blue-green algae information signs will be placed on lower stretches of the estuary.
“We remind visitors to be aware of the potential risks and adhere to information signs at key access points to protect public safety,” Ms Rogan said.
“We strongly advise people and their pets to refrain from drinking the water, swimming and other water-based activities that involve direct contact, particularly if scum or water discolouration is evident.”
The Department of Health (DoH) advises that people can continue to fish in the river but anglers should remove and discard the internal organs and gills before cooking. Fish should not be cooked whole as this may re-distribute toxins from the gut to the fish flesh, making it unsafe to eat.
DSE and Parks Victoria continue to work with Barwon Water, Barwon Coast, the Department of Health and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to manage the bloom and ensure public awareness and safety.
People are asked to report the location of any sightings of blue-green algae to the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
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.