Cable Beach closed

Popular tourist destination Cable Beach has been closed to swimming with a suspected algal bloom identified in several locations.

It is said the algal bloom developed after the recent record rainfall, causing freshwater run-off to carry nutrients such as garden fertilisers into the ocean.

Shire of Broome Health, Emergency and Rangers manager Ty Matson said algal blooms were not uncommon following significant rain events and usually disperse naturally within days.

However, algal blooms can cause skin and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea in humans and animals.

The Shire advises against swimming or coming into contact with the water until the bloom has cleared.

The Shire has also advised the bloom was unrelated to the recent treated wastewater run-off into Roebuck Bay from the Broome South waste water treatment ponds.

The algal bloom is being monitored by the Shire alongside the WA Department of Health and Department of Fisheries.