An alarming development has emerged along the coastlines of some Australian cities, particularly Perth, as beachgoers are advised to avoid beaches infested with algal blooms (via News.com.au)
These blooms, characterized by their sporadic and patchy presence, have raised serious health concerns among those who go towards the waters.
Trichodesmium cf erythraeum, also known as sawdust algae or red tide, has been identified as the primary cause of these blooms.
How Dangerous Are Algal Blooms?
Visually, these blooms appear as brown-red-orange-yellow surface scum, similar to an oil slick, or as a pinkish to pale green hue when decomposing in surrounding water.
While they may appear harmless, contact with these algae can cause various health problems, especially in people with sensitive skin. Symptoms include skin irritations like stinging, tingling, or rashes, as well as more serious effects like sore throat, nausea, and weakness.
As a result, anyone who comes into contact with discolored water or algal scum should take immediate action. It is recommended that you rinse with clean water right away and seek medical attention if any symptoms of illness appear.
Authorities are warning people not to swim, dive, kayak, jet ski, or fish in areas with visible water discoloration or algal scum. The warning applies to both humans and pets, indicating the potential risks posed by these blooms to all beachgoers. Furthermore, wild shellfish consumption is discouraged in areas with algal blooms.
Collaborative efforts between health agencies and relevant local government authorities are underway to monitor and assess the extent of the impact onshore areas. Health warning signs are being erected where practical to alert the public to potential risks.
One of the main concerns about algal blooms is their transient nature, which is influenced by factors like wind and tide. These blooms can appear and disappear quickly, posing challenges for effective monitoring and mitigation measures.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: A family prepares to leave St. Kilda beach before a storm on January 26, 2022 in Melbourne,
Understanding Algal Blooms
Understanding the phenomenon of algal blooms requires an understanding of the science behind them. Algal blooms, including red tides, occur when certain types of algae and phytoplankton grow rapidly, causing visible discoloration of seawater.
Red tides, in particular, are distinguished by the proliferation of protistas such as algae and dinoflagellates, resulting in a rapid increase in algal cells.
The warm, shallow seawater of spring and summer provides ideal conditions for this rapid growth, which frequently results in discoloration ranging from orange, yellow, and brown to the most common pigment, red.
Harmful algal blooms, particularly those caused by cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, and diatoms, can endanger human health and marine ecosystems. These blooms can produce toxins, become too dense, or deplete oxygen levels in the water, all of which hurt marine life and those who come into contact with them.
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