Sea hares wash ashore at Eden beach, prompting warning for dog owners
Thousands have been removed from Aslings Beach, but some remain along the shore and an algal bloom is still visible offshore.
Dog owners are being urged to keep pets away from sea hares at Aslings Beach in Eden on the NSW far south coast, after thousands of the toxic sea slugs washed ashore.
Bega Valley Shire Council sustainability manager Derek Van Bracht said crews had removed thousands. High tides also carried many back into the water, although patches remained on the beach.
The council warned that dogs could be seriously harmed by licking, mouthing or swallowing the creatures. Mr Van Bracht said an algal bloom remained visible offshore and urged people walking dogs nearby to remain vigilant.
Macquarie University marine biologist Culum Brown said sea hares fed on algae and could retain toxins from some varieties to defend themselves against predators. The council identified the local algae as a non-toxic mix of red macroalgae native to south-eastern Australia.
Professor Brown said large numbers of sea hares washing ashore were not unusual along the southern-Australian coast, generally coinciding with rough conditions and strong winds blowing towards land.
He said the animals were not dangerous to people, but anyone handling them should wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes because they could cause irritation.
