Lyngbya in Redlands

What is Lyngbya?

Lyngbya majuscula (Mermaids Hair) is a naturally occurring form of Blue-Green algae in Moreton Bay. Lyngbya is commonly found growing or attached to seagrass beds and coral in the bay. Lyngbya grows in fine strands from 10cm to 30cm in length, and clumps together to form a black/brown mat like substance which washes up upon the beaches.

Lyngbya contains toxins that may result in allergic reactions and as such, should not be handled under any circumstances. Where Lyngbya is suspected of being present it is recommended that a precautionary approach is taken and that algal material on the beach or in the water is avoided. 

What is a Lyngbya ‘raft’?

When Lyngbya grows in sufficient mass it will detach from the substrate, seagrass beds and other areas where it typically grows and form floating ‘rafts’ which are then moved by prevailing winds and currents in the bay and eventually onto foreshores. This generally occurs during the warmer months of the year. The rafts can be of varying size

Where is Lyngbya found?

Areas of the Redlands in which Lyngbya has in the past been sited are:

• Victoria Point
• Wellington Point
• Coochiemudlo Island (Moorwong Beach).

Temporary warning signage will be placed at beaches where Lyngbya blooms have been discovered. If the signage is in place near the beach, check the water and beach for algae before entering the water
The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (Marine Parks) undertakes monitoring of the amount and locations of Lyngbya blooms in Moreton Bay on a monthly basis, whilst Redland City Council is monitoring beaches and foreshores. Council’s monitoring is undertaken according to the following schedule:

• Monthly intervals in winter;
• Fortnightly intervals in spring and autumn; and
• Generally on a weekly basis during summer.

View the map  [PDF 144KB]
For information about Lyngbya rafts in Moreton Bay refer to reports on the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency’s website.  

Why is Lyngbya a problem?

Physical contact with Lyngbya can be dangerous and can result in skin irritations (dermatitis) and eye irritations. Airborne Lyngbya toxins can result in respiratory illnesses if inhaled.

If contact with Lyngbya occurs, the area of contact must be washed with fresh water as soon as possible. Medical attention should be sought if burning, itching, stinging or respiratory problems occur. Medical procedures in the event of Lyngbya contact will be provided on the permanent Lyngbya warning signage.

Lyngbya is an environmental problem because it smothers mangroves and seagrass beds, disrupts marine animals and reduces water quality.
Lyngbya produces a strong odour when blooms are deposited upon the beaches.

Where to report Lyngbya depositions and sightings

To report sightings of Lyngbya, please contact Council’s Customer Service on 3829 8462.

How Council is responding to Lyngbya deposition

Council has produced a draft procedure for monitoring, collection and clean up of Lyngbya from beaches and foreshores in the Redlands. 

For more information read this brochure about Lyngbya in South east Queensland  [PDF 351KB]