Blue-green algae outbreaks were a hot topic for a Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) information session, where CQUniversity's Associate Professor Larelle Fabbro was a guest speaker...

SLCMA staff provided information on the project ‘Monitoring & Remediation of Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks within Coastal Aquatic Ecosystems', currently taking place at Middle Creek Dam and at the Sarina High School Agricultural Department's sediment basin, while Associate Professor Fabbro provided some insight into the problems associated with blue-green algae.

Associate Professor Larelle Fabbro was a guest speaker at a blue-green algae information session at Middle Creek Dam recently.The sessions held over two days were attended by Mackay Regional Council staff, Sarina State High School students, community members and landholders.

Those who attended gained valuable information on blue-green algae and its effects on aquatic ecosystems as well as human and animal health. They were also able to get a close-up look at one of the aquaponic units located at Middle Creek Dam.

The project is utilising floating aquaponic units with local native plants to remove excess nutrients from the water column, to assist with the management of blue-green algae outbreaks.

During morning tea there was much debate over the whereabouts and fate of one of the aquaponic units MC1.2 reported as 'Missing in Action'.

The rogue aquaponic unit was an integral part of the research project and was last seen in early March. Members of the public can report sightings of the missing unit by phoning SLCMA staff on 07 4956 1388.

Learning about blue-green algae by the dam.

The Monitoring & Remediation of Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks within Coastal Aquatic Ecosystems Project is funded by an Australian Government's ‘Caring for our Country' Community Coastcare Grant. The project is also supported by Mackay Regional Council, CQUniversity, Reef Catchments Mackay Whitsunday and Sarina State High School.