Algae bloom closes Lorne’s beach

A NATURALLY occurring algae bloom that reached Lorne on Sunday forced the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club to temporarily close the town’s main beach.

The bloom was reported to be two kilometres in length when it was spotted last month.

According to the CSIRO, the blooms are an accumulation of algal cells that discolour water, form scums, produce unpleasant tastes and odours, affect fish populations and reduce water quality.

Lorne SLSC took to social media on Sunday to alert beachgoers of Lorne Beach’s closure and said it would re-open once the algae had left the area.

The club also said its patrol had carried out more than 40 first aid responses over the course of the day, most of which were bluebottle jellyfish stings and algae related stings and irritations.

While bloom events commonly occur in the open ocean, environmental conditions including sea temperature, nutrient levels, tides and wind can combine to produce blooms closer to shore.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) indicated it would work with agencies such as the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Parks Victoria, Life Saving Victoria and the Environmental Protection Agency to inform the public of any changes and the potential risks.

A similar bloom is affecting Lake Bullen Merri, near Camperdown.

A DELWP spokesperson said tests had confirmed it was a blue-green algae bloom and that it may cause harm to humans and animals.

“Warning signs have been installed and we urge people to avoid any direct contact with the water until the bloom disperses. This includes swimming, fishing and boating activities.

“If you do come into contact with any lake water, wash immediately with fresh water.

“Do not eat any whole fish, shellfish or crustaceans from the lake. Fish caught from affected water should have its gills and guts removed prior to cooking.

“We will continue monitoring the lake until the bloom disperses and advise when the lake is safe for use again.”

Lorne Beach has re-opened since this story went to print on Tuesday, December 31.