Sea wracks
Sea wracks are a mixture of seagrass, marine algae and other organic debris that wash up on intertidal areas. Sea wracks form through natural processes. The build-up of sea wracks is an important ecological process for returning nutrient to the foreshore environment and for refuge for a variety of biota such as crabs, insects and birds. The consensus is that it should only be interfered with if it is becoming a serious hazard.
Sometimes the toxic marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula can be a component of sea wracks and can pose a potential human health and safety hazard.
Sea wrack is comprised of marine plants and is therefore protected under the Fisheries Act 1994 and can only be disturbed when specifically authorised. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries manages this process, and more information on marine plants is available.
The preferred approach is to let natural processes such as tides remove sea wracks from beaches. Sea wracks may generate unpleasant odours and, in some cases can have negative impacts on infrastructure or human health. In some cases, sea wracks will be removed with earth moving equipment.
Typical arrangements in Queensland are for Local Governments to respond to reports about sea wrack, including for amenity, nuisance and public health.
Sea wracks in the Wynnum Region
Sea wracks have occurred in the Wynnum region particularly during summer months and the department has written a report with input from a number of external experts titled: ‘Sea wrack at Wynnum foreshore: a study of causes, impacts and management 2023’.
Brisbane City Council is the first point of contact for sea wracks in the Wynnum area and issues can be reported via their website.
If the reported sea wrack is outside of the Council’s management responsibility and could be considered a significant issue, it can be reported to the Pollution Hotline. Details are provided below.
Reporting sea wracks
How to report environmental nuisance or other impacts from sea wracks
Most reports about sea wrack issues are handled by your local government, these include reports about odour nuisance, public health, and amenity. Use this link to the local government directory to find contact details for your local government.
How to report a significant pollution incident
If you believe it is a significant pollution incident, you can make a report to the Queensland Government:
Phone
You can phone the 24/7 Pollution Hotline—1300 130 372 (option 2)
Pollution incidents can be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Online
You can fill in and submit an online environment incident report, which can be accessed from your desktop or mobile device.
You can email the pollutionhotline@des.qld.gov.au.
Note: this email is only monitored 8.30am to 5.00pm business days.