Algae blooms causing a stink

THE stench of rotting algae blooms has made life a misery for Tasman Peninsula residents, with a marine protection group saying the problem is only getting worse.

Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection co-chairman Peter George said the Environmental Protection Authority needed to conduct an immediate and open investigation into the issue.

Algal blooms have been known to occur in response to changes in temperature, light, rainfall, or changes in nutrients, and Mr George believes the nutrients from nearby fish pens are what has caused the White Beach infestation.

“TAMP also believes Tassal pens in bays near the Port Arthur World Heritage Area are also prime suspects for three years’ worth of worsening al gal blooms that are eyesores on the foreshore, cause the stench of rot as they die and make life a misery for nearby residents,” hesaid.

However, the Environmental Protection Authority said there were no clear trends identifying aquaculture as the cause. The E PA said significant resources were being invested by the government and aquaculture industry to monitor water quality and biological health of the Storm Bay and Tasman regions.

“Monitoring information is currently being provided to the E PA by salmon companies as a requirement of their environmental licence for salmon farm leases, and the E PA also undertakes independent monitoring within Storm Bay and other Marine Farm Development Plan areas,” a spokesperson said.