The presence of a strong red tide bloom on the West Coast, north of Lambert's Bay, and resultant decrease in oxygen levels close to the coast prompted the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to raise the alert level from green to yellow.
Oxygen levels have dropped to below 2 ml /l and scientists will continue to monitor the situation. A red alert would be issued if a rock lobster walkout or beaching occurs.
It is still uncertain which organisms are responsible for the bloom but our scientists are collecting phytoplankton samples for analysis to determine the presence of any toxic species.
For more information:
Lionel Adendorf
Cell: 076 267 5839
Tel: 021 402 3702
