Gippsland Lakes blue-green algae update

4 January, 2012

The multi-agency Incident Management Team working on the response to the blue-green algal bloom in the Gippsland Lakes is receiving reports that people are ignoring warning signs advising them not to come into contact with affected water or to eat pawns, mussels and crabs from the Lakes system.

Regional Coordinator, Daniel Mainville said the signs are in place to protect the health of people and animals and they should be taken seriously.

“There are signs in place in the areas that are affected by the blue-green algae where you should not come into contact with the water. These areas are mainly east of Paynesville and across Lake King to Lakes Entrance. Areas west of Paynesville are currently not affected by high levels of algae."

“Also remember that affected water is not good for animals, so don’t let your pets swim in it.”

Testing of seafood from the Gippsland Lakes has shown that the blue-green algae is producing a toxin which is being taken up by fish, prawns, mussels and crabs.

“The Department of Health has advised that the toxin could cause a rash or hay fever-like symptoms if you come in contact with affected water. The toxin can affect liver function if you swallow water or consume mussels, prawns or crabs caught anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes system,” Dr Mainville said.

“There are signs in place around the Lakes to warn people not to eat mussels, prawns or crabs caught in the Lakes.”

Recent testing of fish shows that the toxin is concentrated in the internal organs, but that gutted/gilled or filleted fish is safe to eat.

The Department of Health advises that people can fish in the Lakes, but anglers are advised to remove and discard the guts and gills before cooking.

Fish should not be cooked whole as this will re-distribute toxins from the gut to the fish flesh, making it unsafe to eat.

Licensed commercial fish suppliers are currently processing any fish caught in affected areas 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.

The bloom will 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/environment/algae and from DSE’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186.