Gippsland Lakes blue-green algae update

28 December, 2011

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) continues to work with the Department of Health, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), local government, tourism representatives and the commercial fishing industry to respond to the blue-green algal bloom currently affecting the Gippsland Lakes.

Testing has indicated that the algae are producing a toxin which is being taken up by seafood.

The Department of Health has advised that the toxin can affect liver function.

In fish, toxins will accumulate to the greatest degree in the innards, but will also accumulate in the head and in the flesh, particularly if blooms continue over long periods.

Recent test results show that the toxin is concentrated in the innards of fish, and that fish which have had gills and guts removed are safe to eat.

Therefore, licensed commercial fish suppliers are being advised that commercial fishing can re-commence, on the condition that fish from affected areas are processed to remove guts and gills prior to sale to consumers.

Most fish landed by commercial fishers at Lakes Entrance are caught out at sea in areas unaffected by this algal bloom.

Mussels, prawns and crabs caught in the Gippsland Lakes system continue to remain unsafe for human consumption.

Recreational anglers are advised to remove and discard guts and gills from fish prior to cooking. Fish should not be cooked whole as this will re-distribute toxins from the innards to the fish flesh, making it unsafe for consumption.

If you come into contact with the water in some parts of the Lakes, you could get skin irritations, respiratory or hayfever-like symptoms. Ingestion of water through swimming may lead to symptoms related to liver function. The water is also not good for animals, so don’t let your dog swim in it.

The bloom could last for weeks, not days, so please take note of the warning signs in place at key locations around the Lakes.

As soon as the levels of algae in the Lakes are safe the public will be informed.

Information about places to visit in Gippsland is available at www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au for Visitor Information Centre phone enquiries please call 51 55 1966 or 51 52 3444.

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.