A mysterious and rapidly spreading pink slime has appeared on several secluded Tasmanian beaches, triggering an urgent environmental investigation and raising serious concerns about a potential harmful algal bloom.
Beaches Coated in Mysterious Substance
The pink-tinged sludge was first reported along a stretch of Randalls Bay, approximately 60km south of Hobart, on Friday morning. Since the initial discovery, similar substances have been recorded on sections of Little Roaring Beach and Little Taylors Bay in Tasmania’s D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
Samples have been collected and handed to Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for urgent analysis. A spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania confirmed the investigation, stating that while algal blooms are a natural phenomenon, their frequency has increased in recent years.
"They are sometimes called red or pink tides because the blooms can turn the water red," the spokesperson explained. "The most common cause in Tasmanian waters is the marine phytoplankton Noctiluca scintillans." This species is known for creating bioluminescent displays at night.
Scientists Warn of Rapid Growth and Potential Causes
Marine scientist Lilly Henley, who collected samples for the campaign group Neighbours of Fish Farming, reported that the suspected bloom had "grown significantly" in the last 12 hours. She expressed concerns for public safety after experiencing a tingling sensation on her skin from contaminated seawater.
Henley pointed to the salmon farming industry as a potential culprit, citing similar incidents in Chile. "Tasmania needs to send a strong warning here," she urged, calling for immediate analysis and public communication from the government and EPA.
Estuarine ecologist Faith Coleman, who investigated South Australia's recent devastating bloom, suggested the likely species was Noctiluca scintillans, or 'sea sparkle'. While not toxic like some species, it consumes small invertebrates and fish eggs, posing a significant risk to fish and crustacean populations. "There have been lots of these blooms around Tassie of late," Coleman noted.
Calls for Action and Government Response
The situation has been labelled an "environmental emergency" by veteran campaigner Bob Brown of the Bob Brown Foundation. The foundation has reported dead octopus and sea cucumbers washing ashore. Brown called on Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff to visit the site and take direct control of the government's response, warning of a "disaster in the making, economically as well as environmentally."
When questioned on Saturday, Premier Rockliff stated he was not aware of any links to the salmon industry and emphasised the need to await scientific test results before drawing conclusions. "We need to ensure our waterways are environmentally safe and sustainable," he said, highlighting the importance of Tasmania's 1,200 beaches.
The incident follows a catastrophic algal bloom in South Australia, linked to marine heatwaves, which is estimated to have killed up to 250,000 marine animals. Experts warn that climate change and pollution are creating nutrient-rich conditions that make such blooms more frequent and severe, with the potential to suffocate marine life and devastate sensitive ecosystems.
