Newcastle Council has posted the following notice:
Newcastle’s beaches along the stretch from Nobbys to Merewether have been closed due to an algae bloom. Only Stockton Beach remains open.
Earlier in the day the algae remained outside the break—it now has washed into the swim zone. The water has been tested and the sample contains Trichodesmium erythraeum, a blue-green algae that is non-toxigenic but which can cause nausea and respiratory irritation. It is advisable to avoid swimming at all beaches except Stockton until the algae bloom passes. Signage has been placed along the beaches and lifeguards will make announcements over the PA system to warn beachgoers not to swim in the water.
Newcastle Baths is open for swimming however Merewether Baths is closed. Merewether Baths were drained today for cleaning and cannot be refilled until the algae bloom has passed and will not be drawn into the Baths by the pump system.
The algae will likely wash onshore tonight with the high tide. Council will reassess the situation in the morning to determine what, if any, measures may need to be taken for removal.
