Yellow algae gives residents a shock

Astonishing scenes of yellow algae in the Leschenault Estuary caused panic with Australind residents who are concerned about the livelihood of the precious ecosystem in the waterway.

Ian Coghlan has used the river for most of his 50 years residing the area and said he had never the build up as bad as this.

“We just want answers as to why this is happening,” he said.

“For the past couple of years the estuary was looking at its clearest ever, but this year the build up is terrible.”

Mr Coghlan questioned whether the cause was nutrient input or the blockage in the Cut.

He said ultimately he was concerned for the marine life inhabiting the waterway and hoped they were not suffering as a result.

Full coverage in Thursday's South Western Times