Information about blue-green algae in the Gippsland Lakes

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.

Testing of algae in Lake King and Lake Victoria has shown three consistent readings below health warning trigger levels.

The signs warning against contact with the water 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.

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

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

Mussels, prawns and crabs caught anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes system, except Lake Tyers, are not safe for human consumption.

The signs warning people not to eat mussels, prawns or crabs caught in the Lakes will stay in place until testing shows that levels of the toxins in seafood have declined enough to lift the advisory.

Testing of fish shows that the toxin is concentrated in the internal organs. Fish should be gutted and gilled or filleted prior to cooking and eating.

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 will process 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 in the ocean in areas unaffected by this algal bloom.

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

For further information please contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DSE website: www.water.vic.gov.au.

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