Harmful algal blooms continue to affect multiple locations across the Gippsland Lakes, with authorities issuing strong public health warnings as monitoring efforts remain ongoing.
Authorities are urging the community not to collect or consume shellfish, prawns or crabs from the affected waterways due to potential health risks. Fish caught in the lakes should be gutted and have their gills removed before cooking, with consumption of whole fish discouraged.
Residents and visitors are also being advised not to drink water from the Gippsland Lakes under any circumstances, with officials warning that boiling water will not remove the associated toxins.
Direct contact with contaminated water may cause skin and eye irritation. Anyone who comes into contact with affected water is advised to wash immediately with fresh water and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of illness.
Pet owners are also being urged to prevent animals from drinking or entering affected waterways.
Scientific testing has identified several algae species of concern, including elevated levels of Pseudo-nitzschia. Authorities have also flagged a suspected bloom of Karlodinium, which is believed to have contributed to fish deaths at Loch Sport in March.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), along with partner agencies, is continuing weekly water sampling across the lakes to track bloom activity. Results typically take around seven days to be processed by specialist laboratories, meaning public updates reflect conditions from the previous week.
