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Gippsland Lakes algal bloom
03 June 2026
Advice to avoid contact with water at Lake Wellington and Hollands Landing has been downgraded, as levels of blue-green algae have reduced.
There is now no advice in place to avoid contact with water across the Gippsland Lakes.
This decision has been made as blue-green algae levels have reduced and the risk to human health from contact with water is currently considered low.
While the risk has reduced, visitors are encouraged to continue taking the following precautions:
- avoid contact with water if you notice discolouration or surface scum, even where signage is not present
- rinse thoroughly in fresh water if you experience skin or eye irritation after contact
- do not drink water collected from the Gippsland Lakes - boiling will not remove the risk
- seek medical advice if you experience illness following contact with lake water.
The following seafood advice remains in place:
- for your own safety, do not collect or eat shellfish, prawns or crabs from the Gippsland Lakes
- gut and gill any fish caught from these lakes before cooking and eating
- do not cook or eat whole fish.
Why has this advice been in place?
Scientific testing has identified multiple algae species of concern in the lakes at various times since March 2026, including:
- Nodularia spumigenia (blue-green algae)
- Pseudo-nitzchia delicatissima group
- Pseudo-nitzschia pungens/multiseries
- Pseudo-nitzschia fraudulenta/australis
- Dinophysis acuminata
- Dinophysis caudata
- Karlodinium sp (unspeciated)
- Karenia sp (unspeciated)
- Prorocentrum rhathymum
- Prorocentrum cordatum.
These species listed above are of concern due to the high levels they have reached during this bloom and their potential to impact human health through consumption of seafood and/or contact with water. Other species that can impact human health have been identified during this bloom, but they have not met trigger levels so have not been included on this list.
There have been no reports of human or animal illness as a result of this bloom event since the initial fish deaths in Loch Sport in late March 2026.
However, a precautionary approach has been taken throughout the initial stages of this bloom due to the unique combination of the identified algal species. Multiple dominant algal species have been seen simultaneously, which can result in overall increases in possible health risks.
This precautionary approach has been taken to ensure community advice is safe, informed and based on the best available information.
DEECA and partner agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely.
What is algae?
Algae are a natural component of most aquatic systems, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea. Victorian waterways contain a range of algal species, including some that can be harmful, at varying levels as part of the natural balance.
Individual cells are very small and are normally not visible in a water body, but numbers can increase rapidly and blooms, or scums, can become visible across the water surface. However, harmful algae are not always visible or detectable by smell.
While blue‑green algae are often recognisable by discoloured water or odour, this is not always the case. Even when water appears clear, some harmful species may be present and cannot be seen without testing.
Blooms can be triggered by nutrient levels, low inflows, lower storage volumes and warmer weather conditions. Blooms of blue-green algae 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.
Health risks
Large numbers of 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, water corporations and local waterway managers sample and test regularly for algal species.
An algal bloom is managed based on the use of the water body and the density and nature of the bloom.
Continued algae monitoring in the Gippsland Lakes
Monitoring and analysis of samples is being conducted on a regular basis to determine the type, amount and extent of algae present.
If a species of concern is detected, the public will be notified and signs put in place to provide advice where needed.
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.
We conduct weekly monitoring and reporting in the summer months unless there are significant changes to algae levels, and monthly testing is conducted outside this period.
More information
Further information can be found on the following websites:
Page last updated: 03/06/26