Trial pinpoints algae’s genesis

The Lower Vasse River’s annual summer algae bloom has started right on schedule and the City of Busselton’s latest river health trial is already proving enlightening.

Separation curtains were installed in the river in early December to give City officers and State Government departments a better understanding of where blooms were emanating.

While the trial is ongoing, preliminary results suggest the algae is originating in the two most downstream areas. City senior sustainability environment officer Robyn Paice said the bloom had developed rapidly over the Christmas and new year period.

“Ongoing observations show the most upstream area to have notably lower algal growth and the City is confident the laboratory results will show this,” she said.

The curtains are in four locations between the Butter Factory Weir and the old boat ramp on Southern Drive.

The curtains will allow the City to gain a greater understanding of why the blooms occur.