Beachgoers have been warned to avoid coming into contact with an algae bloom that has broken out on parts of the Perth coast.
Shoreline sampling has confirmed that these patchy, sporadic algal blooms are Trichodesmium erythraeum.
The algae is commonly known as red tide or sawdust, and appears as brown, red, orange and yellow surface foam with the appearance of an oil slick, or pinkish to pale green in color when it decomposes in the surrounding water. .
The flowers can cause skin irritations such as stinging, tingling or rash, especially in people with sensitive skin, when people come into contact with the algae.
Other symptoms may include sore throat, nausea, and general weakness.
Beachgoers have been warned to avoid coming into contact with an algae bloom (pictured) that has broken out along parts of the coastline of a major Australian city.
Coastal sampling in Perth has confirmed that these patchy, sporadic algal blooms are Trichodesmium erythraeum. Pictured is a beach in Perth.
Jared Koutsoukos, senior scientific director at WA Health, said people should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, diving, kayaking, jet skiing and fishing in areas where significant water discoloration or foam was seen, as this water could contain algae.
“We advise swimmers and their pets to stay away from water where there are signs of water discoloration and algae scum,” he said.
“If you go fishing, you should not collect or consume wild shellfish if there are algae blooms.”
WA Health is working with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and relevant local government authorities to monitor and assess potentially impacted coastal areas and post health warning signs where practical.
As the flowers are carried by wind and tide, they can appear and disappear quite quickly and also have the potential to spread to far-reaching areas along the WA coast.
Anyone who comes into contact with discolored water or algae scum should rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
Community members can report algal blooms or water discoloration to algalblooms@health.wa.gov.au or via Pollution monitoring.
People should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, diving, kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing in areas where significant water discoloration or foam is seen (pictured).
