Algal problems of the estuary

Authors

E. P. Hodgkin
P. B. BirchFollow

Keywords

Eutrophication, Algae, Peel Inlet (W.A.), Harvey River Estuary (W.A.), Western Australia

Disciplines

Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Fresh Water Studies | Oceanography

First Page Number

80

Last Page Number

81

ISSN

0021-8618

Abstract

The Peel-Harvey esturine system study began in 1976 because people living near Peel Inlet complained about the accumulation of water weeds and algae on the shores and the smell of hydrogen sulphide (rotton egg gas) that resulted from their decomposition. From 1974 efforts had been made to control this 'algal problem' by raking up the weed with tractors and carting it away. This 'cosmetic activity had little impact on the problem.

The immediate cause was obvious: a carpet of green algae covering about 20square kilometres of the bottom of Peel Inlet. From time to time this 'goat weed' floated to the surface and was driven ashore by the wind. There it collected in huge piles that decomposed to an evil-smelling, black sludge that fouled the previously clean beaches.

During the past ten years the exxtent of the problem has varied with the seasons and its nature has changed according to the different kinds of algae present. With more and better equipment the PeelInlet Management Authority has succesfully kept the shores clean near the inhabited areas, but the problem remains. Weed accumulations are as great as ever along the uninhabited south-eastern shores.

Recommended Citation

Hodgkin, E. P. and Birch, P. B. (1984) "Algal problems of the estuary," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 25: No. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol25/iss3/2