Strange sight at Marmion Swamp

bleached algae

Whilst recently working at the Marmion Swamp Bushcare site, a volunteer and I noticed some strange white dried material in depressions in grassland.

My first thought was dumped dried chemicals.  However, there were some tinges of green underneath and on the edges.

So, I am wondering if the white patches may actually be dried and bleached algae. The white patches appeared in late March, so the algae may have formed after the February rains.

An enquiry has been sent to the Australian Museum and we are waiting on a reply.  Has anyone else seen something similar?

Karen Hising, Bushcare Officer

khising@bmcc.nsw.gov.au