Act & Engage

Monitoring and Preventing Algal Blooms / Swan River / Australia

 

1. Name

Rafael Tan

 

2. Country of Residence

Australia

 

3. Organization Name

“Blank”

 

4. Name of Target Lake/Lake Information: The basic information of the lake.

Swan River. A major brackish water river in the southwest of Western Australia, starting from the Darling Range and running to the Indian Ocean.

 

5. Purpose of the Activity: Specific goals and objectives.

To prevent and monitor harmful algal blooms in the Swan River.

 

6. Activity Description: e.g., water quality testing, monitoring, cleanup efforts, environmental education.

Water quality testing. 11 water testing sites routinely check chlorophyll levels in the water to estimate algae activity, releasing these results online. Raising public awareness. Notices have been placed at affected sites warning of toxins produced by algae.

 

7. Number of Participants: The number of youth involved

N/a

 

8. Outcomes and Impact: Data or reports obtained as a result of the activity

By observation, the sites of algal blooms appear to be more inland, near residential and farmland areas. This demonstrates that the algal blooms are being caused by nutrient runoff from households and farmland and therefore preventative action would consist of reducing household waste and planting field buffers to reduce runoff.

 

9. Sustainability and Future Outlook: funding sources and collaborating Organizations

Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Swan River Trust.

 

10. Please share the link to the video introducing your activities.

https://youtu.be/J_uWzIkZJH0?si=h68vi1cBFi0PwMbR