Turtles, ducks, pelicans and a swan are among the native animals found dead in a small wetlands system at Raymond Terrace as dry conditions bite the region.
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Hundreds of carp have also been found belly-up in a green, paint-like scum consistent with a blue-green algae outbreak.
Water levels have dropped in the Newline Road wetland in recent weeks in conditions ripe for algae and it has forced authorities to close the area.
Volunteers with Wildlife in Need of Care (WINC) raised the alarm with Port Stephens Council and provided veterinarian Jeff Titmarsh with two of the birds for autopsy.
“By our count so far, the contamination has caused the deaths of 25 eastern long neck turtles, seven pelicans, three black ducks, two teal ducks, four non-native ducks, one black swan and hundreds of carp,” WINC president Lorraine Yudaeff said.
“We’re sorry we can’t respond to further rescue calls at the two contaminated sites. Until all test results are back and we know what we’re dealing with, we can’t, we need to protect the safety of our members.”
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Port Stephens Council issued a red alert for the presence of blue-green algae last Thursday and posted signs at Ross Walbridge Reserve to warn people off.
In the statement the council said it would continue to monitor conditions but in the meantime it warned people to avoid contact with the water and urged people not to let dogs into the water.
NSW Health advised people to seek medical treatment if they had been affected.
“Council is currently investigating if there are any environmentally safe ways of dealing with the blue-green algae at present, and managing this into the future,” the council’s facilities and services group manager Greg Kable said.
“However, there are environmental concerns that topping up the wetlands at its present state with other sources of water could have long-term consequences.”
Mr Kable said the outbreak had prompted discussion about how to best manage the wetlands into the future.
“It’s a complex ecosystem and any action could have a negative outcome on the water and wildlife,” he said.
“Council is working with other agencies for long-term management options.
“We’ve also been approached by the University of Newcastle to work together on managing the site into the future.”
Raymond Terrace resident Julie Hatton contacted WINC when she noticed two motionless pelicans.
“The ones I saw hadn’t moved in a day,” she said.
“They’re such a majestic bird and to see them dead is just heartbreaking.”
Mrs Hatton drives past the Beaton Avenue pond each day going to and from work.
“Usually you would see up to 20 pelicans in there,” she said.
“Two years ago when it dried out there were fish dying. I just hope that something can be done.”
A Water NSW spokesman said the red alert was likely to remain in place for some time. At least until rain could replenish the wetlands.
“Unfortunately what we’re seeing is the result of natural processes,” he said.
“There’s a least a dozen red alerts for blue green algae across the state.”
Raymond Terrace vet Jeff Titmarsh said he was unable to confirm the cause of death until the results came back from the government lab.
“Something has killed the eastern long neck turtles and it’s most probably the blue green algae,” he said.
“The tidal action isn’t keeping the area flushed. The tidal action is well down on the first of the ponds.”
Mrs Yudaef said it was distressing.
“We’re encouraging people to follow council’s directions and stay away,” she said.
For more information about blue-green agae, contact the Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457 or visit www.water.nsw.gov.au
