Gippsland Lakes algal bloom declining

23 February, 2012

Monitoring of the blue-green algal bloom in the Gippsland Lakes has shown that some parts of the bloom are declining to levels that are no longer harmful to human health, allowing a return to safe recreational water use in most areas.

Regional Coordinator of the bloom response, Dr Daniel Mainville said that testing of algae in Lake King and Lake Victoria has shown three consistent readings below health warning trigger levels.

“This was the indicator for the Department of Health to make a decision to lift the advice against recreational water use at those locations,” Dr Mainville said.

“The signs will be removed from Loch Sport, Hollands Landing, Paynesville, Eagle Point and Metung, allowing people to return safely to the water in those areas.”

Signs will remain in place around Lake Wellington and at Bunga Arm, Ocean Grange and Steamer Landing, where algae levels are still high enough to advise people not to come into contact with the water.

“We still have a way to go before all areas around the Lakes are free of the algae, but this is certainly a good sign that the bloom is finally declining in some areas,” Dr Mainville said.

The Department of Health advises that mussels, prawns and crabs caught anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes, except Lake Tyers, are still affected by toxin and are not safe for human consumption.

Fish caught in the Lakes should have gills and guts removed before cooking. Blue-green algal 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 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 continue to be monitored on a regular basis and the public will be informed about any changes in those levels.

Information about blue-green algae is available on the DSE website www.water.vic.gov.au and from DSE’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186.