Pink sludge found in secluded bays sparks water worries
Concerns are rising after the discovery of salmon-pink mud believed to be an algae bloom on a secluded beach.
Testing is ongoing after the mud was found in Randalls Bay, about 60 kilometers south of Hobart.
Similar mud has also been recorded at parts of Little Roaring Beach and Little Taylors Bay in Tasmania’s D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
The Bob Brown Foundation has received about 20 reports of dead sea cucumbers, as well as dead octopuses and crabs washed ashore in Little Taylors Bay on Bruny Island.
Algal blooms can occur naturally, especially following periods of heavy rainfall; however, experts believe the apparent proliferation may be linked to pollution.
Residents remain cautious about swimming at affected beaches, which have cloudy pink water.
Samples were taken from citizens and sent to the Environmental Protection Agency for analysis.
The state government must take immediate action to prevent the devastation caused by algal blooms in South Australia, according to the foundation.
A toxic algal bloom in South Australia has affected more than 30 per cent of the state’s coastline since it was detected in March 2025, with more than 13,000 recorded animal deaths.
Approximately 400 ocean-based fishing, aquaculture, tourism and recreation businesses were affected by the algal bloom.
“These algal blooms and dead sea creatures are a harbinger of things to come as Tasmania’s waters warm,” said foundation campaigner Alistair Allan.
“Premier Rockliff needs to take urgent action to reduce the nutrient load on Tasmania’s waterways, including destocking polluting factory salmon farms.”
Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff told reporters on Saturday that he was not aware of any link between the mud and the salmon industry, adding that scientific tests would determine the cause.
Mr. Rockliff believes his government is doing enough to protect waterways from any algal blooms.
“We need to ensure our waterways are environmentally safe and sustainable,” he said.
“Tasmania’s 1200 beaches are our assets and we need to ensure our society and industry can co-exist to use our waterways effectively and sustainably.”
