Who issues media releases for algal blooms?
The Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACCs) issue media releases for algal blooms in recreational waters. These media releases detail only Red action alert algal blooms for recreational waters brought to the attention of the Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACCs). Algal blooms may also be present in other areas where no regular algal monitoring occurs. The process of issuing an algal alert is as follows: • Recreational sites are monitored for algae by local councils, trusts, water supply authorities and the member departments of the RACC. • Results of algal monitoring are sent to the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (RACC). • When the level of blue–green algae in a recreational water body is greater than the recreational guideline a high alert is issued by the RACC, and a media release is sent to the media and to relevant State and Local Government representatives.
