WA Health has warned keen swimmers and beachgoers alike to stay out of the water following a surge in algal blooms across parts of Perth’s coastline.
The alert, issued on Wednesday evening, said shoreline samples had confirmed the patchy blooms were Trichodesmium erythraeum, better known as “red tide” or “sea sawdust” .
It usually presents as a brown-red-orange-yellow surface scum, which can look like an oil slick.
It can also become a pinkish to pale green colour once it decomposes in water.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has responded to several reports of algal bloom at Ocean Reef and Mullaloo beaches since January.
“As the blooms are transported by wind and tide, they can come and go fairly quickly, and also have the potential to extend to far-reaching areas along the Western Australian coastline,” the alert said.
WA Health senior scientific officer Jared Koutsoukos said people should avoid recreational activities like swimming, diving, kayaking, jet-skiing and fishing in affected areas.
“We’re advising beachgoers, along with their pets, to stay out of the water where there are signs of water discolouration and algal scum,” Mr Koutsoukos said.
“If out fishing, you should not collect and consume wild shellfish if algal blooms are present.”
Contact with algal blooms can result in skin irritation, including stinging, tingling or rashes, particularly in people with sensitive skin.
It can also give people a sore throat, nausea and general weakness.
WA Health advises anyone who comes into contact with discoloured water or algal scum to “immediately rinse it off with clean water and seek medical attention if they become unwell”.
The departments and relevant local government authorities are continuing to monitor the impacted areas.
Members of community can report algal blooms or water discolouration via [email protected] or via Pollution Watch.