Many people have been concerned about the warning signs posted for months at boat ramps regarding toxic algae in the Gippsland Lakes. This event commenced with mass fish kills around Loch Sport in April. Soon after, health warnings were issued by DEECA for the entire Gippsland Lakes, about entering the water and consumption of seafood. Some of these warnings are still in place.
DEECA’s testing found “high numbers” of potentially far more potent species of algae than the traditional cause of toxic algae blooms in the Lakes ( blue green algae or cyanobacteria). Yet DEECA’s reports and emergency response plans are all still based around blue green algae.
FOGL sent a detailed letter to DEECA regarding these issues last month, requesting an urgent response. Below is the essence of a letter we received in response last week.
We are pleased that DEECA has acknowledged the issues and is committed to doing something about it. We trust these measures will be implemented quickly.
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DEECA’s Executive Director, Water Security and Resilience said :
“The current event has highlighted the need to strengthen arrangements for harmful algal blooms beyond cyanobacteria, including monitoring, public advice, coordination and escalation”
“DEECA is reviewing how monitoring information, including sampling locations, species results and quantitative results, could be presented publicly in a useful and appropriate form. Species identification and toxin related interpretation are also being considered with relevant technical agencies and laboratories, including molecular methods where appropriate and available.
“DEECA is progressing work to adapt the Blue-Green Algae Emergency Response Plan as the practical foundation for Gippsland Lakes harmful algal bloom preparedness and response while a future model is developed and tested. This includes considered monitoring, public communications, local water manager functions., regional coordination and debrief arrangements”