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Media Release - Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources South Coast Regional Office Goulburn: 26 August 2005 ALGAL BLOOM: MANLY AND BALMORAL The algal blooms present in Manly Cove, Spring Cove, and Balmoral Beach have been identified as the non-toxic algae Noctiluca scintillans. The bloom was first detected yesterday at Manly Cove (Manly Wharf and Manly Yacht Club) and Spring Cove, Manly. Other blooms were detected today at the southern end of Balmoral Beach, Balmoral, and at Rushcutters Bay, Darling Point. The blooms are present as a rusty or pink colouration on the surface of the water. NSW Health advises that this species of algae is normally considered harmless. However, it is recommended that people avoid contact with all visible blooms. Noctiluca occurs naturally due to prevailing wind and water conditions and can become concentrated in bays, forming red colourations on the surface of the water. Also reported at the above locations were purple-blue water colourations and jelly-like scums. Samples collected from Manly and Mosman were identified as semi-transparent free-swimming marine animals called Salps. Salps form purple-blue gelatinous, harmless masses, are closely related to sea-squirts and resemble (but are not related to) jellyfish. Salps have also been reported to be washing ashore at Bondi Beach, and are likely to be present at other beach locations in Sydney. All suspected algal blooms should be reported to the Regional Algal Committee during business hours (02 4722 1188), or the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Environment Line (131 555) after hours. If any health effects are experienced from contact with water affected by algal blooms, medical advice should be promptly sought This media alert only reports algal blooms that have been brought to the attention of the Metropolitan South Coast Regional Algal Coordinating Committee. Algal blooms may be present in other areas where there is no regular algal monitoring. Toll-Free Algal Information Line - 1800 999 457 for the latest information on algal blooms at certain recreational sites within the Sydney and South Coast Regions. Doug Rhodes:0409 983 008 Frances Bryce:0437 596 103   Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources