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Media Release - Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources South Coast Regional Office Goulburn: 23 September 2005 ALGAL BLOOMS: HARBOUR AND NORTHERN BEACHES The algal blooms recently observed intermittently in small areas of Sydney Harbour and the northern beaches have been identified as the non-toxic algae Noctiluca scintillans. Laboratory analysis of water samples collected yesterday at Rose Bay confirmed the presence of Noctiluca scintillans in the water. Today additional samples have been collected for identification from Balgowlah and Balmoral. 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 blooms appear as a rusty or pink colouration in or on the surface of the water. The occurrence of Noctiluca blooms in Sydney tends to increase in early spring and summer. Further to the blooms reported today in Sydney Harbour and northern beaches, a report this afternoon of a red colouration at Kurnell Beach is being investigated. Algal blooms are formed when wind and water currents cause microscopic cells to become concentrated in a small area of water, such as a beach or cove. The current blooms are more frequently observed in the morning. 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.   Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources