A blue-green algae (BGA) bloom is currently affecting waters 90m West of Pelican Court Boat Ramp in Barwon Heads, Barwon Coast announced.
The public is warned not to swim or fish in these waters and to avoid any direct contact with blue-green algae affected water.
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.
People who come into contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water. Seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact with BGA affected water.
Any fish harvested from BGA affected water should have gills and guts removed prior to cooking. People should not eat whole fish, or shellfish or crustaceans collected from the waters around the Pelican Court Boat Ramp. The type of algae affecting the waters around the Pelican Court Boat Ramp produces toxins that can concentrate in shellfish and crustaceans and accumulate in the liver and internal organs of fish. Ingesting BGA toxins can lead to serious illness.
Water from the affected water body should not be used for drinking, cooking or other domestic uses. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for use.
For any health issues experienced after contact with BGA affected water, seek medical advice immediately.
Irrigators are encouraged to take extra care to avoid spray drift, the pooling of water and inhaling mist from BGA affected water. Affected water should not be sprayed onto leafy vegetables or, florets or allowed to flood pastures.
Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water.
Visitors to the area are advised that they can still enjoy other recreational activities such as bushwalking, boating and sightseeing around the water body.
Members of the public are asked to report any potential BGA blooms to their local water manager, Barwon Coast via ph: 03 5254 1118 or email: office@barwoncoast.com.au
