Dry weather boosts Fraser Coast blue-green algae blooms says scientist

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-26/dry-weather-boosts-fraser-coast-blue-green-algae-blooms/6977938

Photo: Some forms of blue-green algae which can cause skin, eye and ear irritations thrive during the driest times of the year.

An environmental scientist says Queensland's ongoing dry weather is contributing to blue-green algae blooms, like the ones Fraser Coast residents are dodging on local beaches.

The state's waterways, dams and beaches have seen multiple outbreaks of blue-green algae, which can cause allergic reactions such as skin and eye irritation.
Around Hervey Bay, the Fraser Coast Council is warning people to avoid the algae washed up on beaches because of the potential health risks.
Signs have been erected along Dundowran Beach alerting residents to the algae, and the council was tracking wind and water conditions as they attempted to remove the mass.
Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences at Central Queensland University Lorelle Fabbro, said Queensland's various outbreaks were made up of different species of algae, depending on the nutrients in the local water supply.
Various species were also prevalent at different times of the year, and while most forms of blue-green algae cause some degree of irritation, Professor Fabbro said some types — which flourished in dry conditions — caused more severe reactions.
"From my childhood around the Fraser Coast, I can remember that in the very dry years you would often get the filaments of algae on your skin, and they would leave a weal," Professor Fabbro said.
She said Lyngbya algae could trigger irritation of the skin, eyes and ears.
According to Professor Fabbro, when the algae dried out on the beach or riverbank, the powdery dry matter could cause breathing problems like asthma.