The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) advises that a blue-green algae bloom is currently affecting parts of the Gippsland Lakes and is recommending people exercise caution around the water.
The type of algae currently affecting the Gippsland Lakes produces toxins that can concentrate in shellfish and crustaceans and accumulate in the liver and internal organs of fish.
Ingesting blue-green algae toxins can lead to serious illness.
The recommended advice is not to eat shellfish such as mussels, crabs or prawns from anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes, and gut and gill fish immediately after catching for safe consumption.
“Fish caught anywhere in the Lakes should be gutted, gilled and washed thoroughly prior to cooking, with the guts and gill discarded,” said Incident Controller, Ben Rankin.
Visitors are also urged to avoid any direct contact with water at Lake Wellington and Duck Arm, Lake Victoria, and exercise caution in surrounding areas.
Lake Wellington – as at March 18 2022, the recommended advice from Department of Health is to not consume mussels, crabs and prawns or come into contact with water, including swimming, or allowing pets to swim or drink affected water.
Duck Arm, Lake Victoria – as at March 18 2022, the recommended advice from Department of Health is to not consume mussels, crabs or prawns or come into contact with water, including swimming, or allowing pets to swim or drink affected water.
“This is a quickly evolving situation, and we encourage people to exercise caution if you notice blue-green scum in the water and take note of the signage in place at boat ramps, jetties and fishing spots,” said Mr Rankin.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Gippsland Lakes and want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable stay.”
Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itchiness; sore eyes, ears and nose or, if swallowed, gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting.
If you do come in contact with contaminated water, wash immediately in fresh water and seek medical advice if experiencing illness.
Water from the affected areas should not be used for drinking, cooking or other domestic uses.
Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for use.
Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water.
Information about blue-green algae is available on the DELWP website and from the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
