The information sheets below provide information on each harmful algal species and their harmful effects. These sheets will assist relevant management authorities and the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (RACC) to assist with the management of algal blooms in NSW waterways.
The common name and synonym of each species is provided where appropriate, as well as an image (usually microscopic), and biotoxin and toxicity information where known. Also included for each species is information regarding its distribution in Australia (if known), its seasonality (if known) and it’s potential to cause a human health problem eg. via consumption of seafood (commercially and recreationally harvested), via aerosol inhalation and/or skin exposure. This risk information is based on previously reported cases or experiments, taken from both local and international literature, as well as anecdotal evidence where possible.
Action limits for each harmful species are also included where possible. If known, the “background” cell concentration of a particular species is given. Other ‘limits’ provided are based on the NSW Food Authorities Biotoxin Plan (which are in turn based on those levels used internationally and in various states in Australia) and/or cell concentrations at which have been observed to result in toxic events or toxin uptake (anecdotal evidence). These limits should be used to provide an early warning of the potential for marine biotoxin contamination and/or other harmful effects in order to minimize the risk of human illness.
These sheets provide information about the ‘impact’ of each harmful species and an appropriate warning in regard to each species. For example, if the species causes a visual problem eg. red tide or material washed onto the beach, then “visual amenity” is indicated as an issue. If the species has been reported to cause fish kills, then ‘fish kills” are a potential issue. Finally, if the species produces toxins, then it may have an impact on human health (via the consumption of shellfish).
Warnings provide an indication of the effect of each species eg. swimming should be avoided if the species is known to produce skin irritants; shellfish harvest and fishing should be avoided for those species that produce toxins.