Suspected bloom at Royal Beach sparks summer water-quality concerns
Unusual pink-orange discolouration at Mornington’s Royal Beach has prompted local concern, with photographs forwarded to the Environment Protection Authority for assessment.
Images taken on Monday morning, show a concentrated patch of coloured water extending through the shallows along the shoreline.
Mornington local Sheila Newman suspects its algal bloom:
“I think it is a bloom- certainly it's one possible explanation, although the cause has to be confirmed, I've sent the photos to the EPA"
Following a shower later on Monday, the beach appeared clear . Whether the material has dispersed, and what caused it, remains unresolved.
The sighting follows recent heavy rain, stormwater flows and still conditions on Port Phillip Bay.
Victoria’s State of the Bays report notes that marine algal blooms can develop in the days or weeks after heavy rain, particularly during warm, sunny and calm weather. Those conditions do not, however, establish the cause of the Royal Beach episode.
There is a history of blooms along the Peninsula’s bay coastline.
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s February 2013 report records an algal bloom that resulted in the closure of Mothers Beach, Mornington. Council’s environmental health team assisted state authorities and EPA with the investigation, which identified two naturally occurring algae.
Locals are questioning whether the sighting, coming ahead of the peak summer swimming season, could be a sign of further episodes to come.
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Photos - Sheila Newman
