QLD: Algal bloom subsides but still a danger

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2000
QLD: Algal bloom subsides but still a danger

BRISBANE, April 6 AAP - Almost a quarter of the blue-green algal bloom in Moreton Bay
has disappeared but 30 square kilometres of water remain affected by the toxic bloom,
a researcher said today.

The algae spread over 40 sq km at the Pumicestone Passage, Deception Bay and areas
near North Stradbroke Island in the past two weeks.

However a University of Queensland Botany Department researcher Andrew Watkinson said
after an inspection today little of the bloom in an eight square kilometre section of
Deception Bay was visible.

"We're not sure that it's gone for good but it certainly seems to have disappeared
for the time being," Mr Watkinson said.

"But the bloom off Stradbroke Island still seems to be going quite strongly."

Mr Watkinson said researchers were unsure why the bloom at Deception Bay disappeared.

He said they could neither pinpoint why it occurred although there was the possibility
that a leakage of iron phosphate could have sparked it.

Mr Watkinson said the outbreak was the biggest he had seen and two hundred tonnes of
the algae had already been dumped on the shoreline.

Health authorities have warned that contact with the algae, known scientifically as
lyngbya, could cause skin, nose and eye irritation, while inhaling dust from dried algae
could worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.

People who experienced any ill effects after coming into contact with the algae should
see a doctor.

AAP ch/sc/ah/bwl

KEYWORD: ALGAE PASSAGE NIGHTLEAD

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