Gippsland bloom reflects wider environmental shift

A harmful algal bloom in Victoria’s Gippsland Lakes is raising fresh concerns about water quality, ecosystem health and the growing influence of climate change.

Speaking today on ABC radio, Dr Arash Zamyadi of Monash Civil and Environmental Engineering explained that blooms are driven by a combination of environmental pressures.

He said “Small changes in temperature, coupled with other factors, including excess nutrients can lead to these algal blooms.”

He emphasised that while algae are naturally present, disruption to ecological balance can trigger rapid overgrowth, saying “Very small changes can have a huge impact…to give the favourable condition for some species to dominate and form these excessive blooms.”

Dr Zamyadi explained the consequences for aquatic life can be severe. “They suck up all the oxygen in the water… there’s not enough dissolved oxygen for the fish,” he said, linking this directly to fish kill events observed in affected areas.

Public health risks are also a concern, with some blooms producing toxins. Authorities have urged people to avoid contact with impacted water, a recommendation Dr Zamyadi supports, saying "The best advice… is to follow the warning from the authorities.”

He pointed to a broader global trend, saying “We’re seeing it in North America, in Asia, in Europe…these climate change impacts are enhancing the formation of these blooms and the duration of them.”

Listen to the full interview with Mim Hook here.