See the latest test results from the Gippsland Lakes
Blue-green algae advice downgraded across Gippsland Lakes
The entire Gippsland Lakes system and the ocean are now safe for contact with water.
Do not eat Shellfish advisory remains in place for all of the Gippsland Lakes
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), in consultation with the Department of Health (DH) advises not to eat shellfish including Mussels, Oysters, Crabs and Bugs from anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes. Fish caught in the Gippsland Lakes should be thoroughly washed immediately after catching and gut and guts removed prior to eating.
High levels of toxins continue to be reported from testing seafood samples taken from the Gippsland Lakes.
All shellfish including crabs, bugs, oysters and mussels caught in the Gippsland Lakes and up to 10 nautical miles (19km) off the Gippsland coast may contain toxic blue green algae and are not suitable for human consumption.
Fish caught off outside of the Gippsland Lakes and along the Victorian coast are safe to eat without removing gut and gills.
This website will be updated to reflect any changes to this advice. This advice will remain in place until test results from seafood samples are below levels safe for human consumption.
Can I swim and do other water sports in the Gippsland Lakes?
Yes, the water in the Gippsland Lakes and the Ocean is now safe to come into contact with.
- Take care not to swallow water during recreation.
- Do not let your animals/pets drink algae-affected water.
We are doing broad scale water sampling across the Lakes system to monitor algae levels. Algae can grow quickly in the right conditions and situations can change rapidly. As a general rule, it is recommended not to swim in or come into contact with water that has surface scum or looks murky.
Continued algae monitoring
Monitoring and analysis of samples is being conducted on a regular basis to determine the type, amount and extent of algae present. If this species of algae is found at more sites, or other algae of concern, the public will be informed and signs will be put up to warn people not to come into contact with the water.
Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes contain many different types of algae at varying levels as part of the natural environment and balance of the Lakes system.
Weather conditions, nutrient levels, salinity and water flows all affect the levels of algae and can contribute to the formation of algal blooms on the Lakes.
Warmer weather conditions are likely to lead to a natural increase in the abundance and variety of algae and other organisms in the Lakes.
If an algal bloom develops on the Gippsland Lakes, information (factsheets and maps) are available on this website and through local outlets, including local media, Visitor Information Centres and tourism operators. It will also be posted on the DEECA Gippsland Facebook page.
DEECA will resume weekly monitoring and reporting in the summer months unless there are any significant changes to algae levels. Monthly testing will continue until then.
Recent blue-green algae test results
What is algae?
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a common seasonal occurrence in Victoria and a natural component of most aquatic systems, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea.
Individual cells are very small and are normally not visible in a water body.
But numbers can increase rapidly and blooms, or scums, become easily visible across the water surface.
Blooms can be triggered by nutrient levels, low inflows, lower storage volumes and warmer weather conditions.
Blooms can be unsightly, ranging in colour from dark-green to yellowish-brown. They develop a paint-like consistency as they dry out and often have a pungent smell.
Large numbers of blue-green algae in water bodies can produce toxins that can affect the health of humans, animals, birds and livestock as well as harm the environment.
In Victoria, blue-green algae is monitored regularly by water corporations and local waterway managers through sampling and testing.
An algae outbreak is managed based on the use of the water body and the density and nature of the bloom.
Farm dams are quite susceptible to algal blooms. Further, they are difficult to reclaim once a bloom has occurred.
It is better to prevent the build-up of predisposing conditions rather than trying to reclaim a contaminated dam.
More information is available on the Agriculture Victoria website
For the latest information on blue-green algae events you should contact the manager responsible for the water body, such as the local council, water corporation or the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Further information can be found on the following websites:
- Blue-Green Algae Notification Form (Excel, 196.5 KB)
- Sample BGA Regional Coordination Plan (DOC, 172.5 KB)
- Sample BGA Risk Management Plan (PDF, 116.9 KB) or Word version (DOCX, 216.1 KB)
The following documents can be accessed via the Water Research Australia website:
- Blue-green algae: a guide – Fact sheet by the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Water Quality and Treatment on blue-green algae
- Management strategies for Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae): a guide for water utilities – This guide for water utilities consolidates knowledge on managing blue-green algae. It covers the management of source water, the treatment process, an outline to health effects of blue-green algae and current guidelines and standards.
- Cyanobacteria: management and implications for water quality – Series of technical fact sheets about CRC research and management implications for the water industry.
- Second National Cyanobacterial Workshop – Abstracts and some presentations from the Second National Cyanobacterial Workshop held in Melbourne in 2010.
- Guidelines for managing risks in recreational water– National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines to help manage recreational water bodies.
Page last updated: 17/03/23