Harmful algae
Harmful algal blooms (also referred to as 'phytoplankton blooms', 'microalgal blooms', 'toxic algae' or 'red tides') are common seasonal events in both fresh and coastal marine waters throughout Queensland.
Algal blooms caused by organisms may pose a direct threat to human and animal health, and can have:
- economic impacts (e.g. increased cost of treating the water supply or the need to use alternative supplies)
- social impacts (e.g. disrupted recreational use of waterways)
- environmental effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Harmful Algal Blooms Response Plan
To reduce the risk to human and animal health and support a coordinated multi-agency response, the Queensland Government has developed the Queensland Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan 1.5 MB), which is supported by the Queensland Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Procedures 1.4 MB). These documents provide the framework for managing harmful algal bloom incidents across Queensland, including roles and responsibilities, notification and escalation processes, risk assessment, communication, and response actions.
Resources
- Queensland Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan 1.5 MB)
- Queensland Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Procedures 1.4 MB)
For information about identifying and reporting harmful algal blooms, including blue-green algae in freshwater systems refer Reporting outbreaks.