Media Releases
Blue-green algae alert still current for Lake Connewarre and Barwon Estuary
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Results from water sampling undertaken earlier this week show that the blue green algae situation remains unchanged, with low numbers still present in the lower sections of the Barwon River Estuary.
Parks Victoria District Chief Ranger Siobhan Rogan said signs have been erected in areas currently affected by the blue-green algae bloom.
Ms Rogan advises that contact with the affected water at the Lake, estuary and beach east of the river mouth should be avoided in areas where discoloured, greenish water, scum in the water and green algae on the beach are evident.
”Direct contact with water affected by blue-green algae could result in skin irritation and respiratory or hayfever-like symptoms,” she said.
“The water could also affect animals, so pets should not play or swim in affected water as animals may try to groom away the algal residue.”
Toxins produced by blue-green algae can accumulate in seafood and the advice is for anglers not to collect mussels, prawns or crabs from Lake Connewarre or the Barwon Estuary.
However, Ms Rogan said people can still enjoy catching fish and boating in Lake Connewarre along the upper and lower Barwon Estuary by being careful and taking the following precautions:
- Remove affected clothing and wash skin immediately if you come into contact with contaminated water.
- Remove the guts and gills of all caught fish and clean them in uncontaminated water before cooking. Please take rubbish including internal organs of fish home to discard.
- Do not cook the fish whole as this may distribute toxins from the gut to the fish flesh, making it unsafe to eat.
- Wash down water vessels with fresh water to avoid translocation to another site.
A number of swimming areas remain unaffected by the blue-green algae, such as the Geelong foreshore, all coastal locations from Geelong around the Bellarine Peninsula, including the Ocean Grove Main Beach (15W) east of 18W, and then west from Barwon Heads to coastal towns.
Swimmers are reminded to always swim between the life saver patrol flags when on display.
Those in holiday mode or visiting the area can still enjoy the many and varied activities that the area has to offer.
“Other popular activities in the area include beach walking, exploring the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve and visiting the Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary,” Ms Rogan said.
“The area is also home to a range of historical sites, such as the Point Lonsdale lighthouse, and of course an interesting array of shopping opportunities at Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Queenscliff.”
Ms Rogan said people can report the location of any sightings of blue-green algae to the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.