Lyngbya Majuscula or blue green alga is an oceanic cyanobacterium and despite its name is not an algae. It grows on substrates in the water or epiphitically on seagrass, blocking the sunlight without which seagrass dies.

Lyngbya blooms increase during the summer months where the water is warmer and a higher rainfall increases surface run off into the bay. This run off originates in urban areas where there is a larger availability of nutrients to then be flushed through the storm water systems into Moreton Bay further accelerating the growth of the Lyngbya.

While Lyngbya growth is damaging for a Seagrass population it is also toxic to humans and wildlife. Rashes and skin irritations are the most common side effect when people are exposed Lyngbya.

For more information regarding Lyngbya in Moreton Bay see the Department of Environment and Resource Management webpage (click here).