Seaweed Removal

Seaweed is deposited on the City's beaches at various times of the year. Seaweed is an important part of the marine ecology.  In general, the deposits are removed naturally by tides in a matter of days. Removal of seaweed is regulated by NSW Fisheries under specific legislation.

Council's policy on seaweed removal is to allow normal tidal movements to remove the seaweed wherever possible. 

If the seaweed is affecting the amenity and safety of high use patrolled beaches the seaweed can be pushed away to the base of the dunes where it remains part of the beach ecology. In exceptional circumstances, a contactor licensed by NSW Fisheries may remove large quantities of seaweed.

Council liaises with the Marine Park Authority when considering the removal of seaweed from intertidal areas of the Solitary Islands Marine Park (areas north of Mutton Bird Island).