ANOTHER algae infestation at Patterson Lakes has infuriated locals who say it is so thick the waterway can’t be used.

Melbourne Water said the stringy weed at Tidal Canals wasn’t toxic and would disappear in a few months but fisherman Barry Wenke said he had not seen such a thick covering of the weed in the 18 years he had lived there.

Mr Wenke said he moved there to “live on the water” but has been unable to enjoy this year’s fishing season.

“If I start my motor in that, it’ll go into my pumps and overheat the motor,” Mr Wenke, who lives on McLeod Road, said.

“My fishing is non-existent this season. The snapper are out in Port Phillip Bay and I can’t get out there.”

Non-toxic algae naturally accumulates in the Tidal Canals each year, usually from October through to January. This type of aquatic growth is commonly found in marine areas and estuaries.

Mr Wenke acknowledged the algae was a common occurrence, but said this year seemed different.

“It doesn’t seem to be moving out with the tide,” he said.

Mr Wenke said he contacted Melbourne Water — the waterway’s manager — about four times in the space of a week, and received no response.

“I’m annoyed about the situation, because one I’m not getting returned calls to explain to me what’s going on or what they can or can’t do,” Mr Wenke said.

“Plus my whole life has been fishing and it’s restricted my fishing every day. I live on the water, that’s my life, that’s why I bought here in Patterson Lakes.”

Other residents have referred to the algae as a climatic issue and believe it should disappear once the weather warms up.

Melbourne Water wouldn’t say if it intended to clean the waterway soon but said the “naturally occurring algae are present for a few months of the year and disappear as part of the natural process”.

Maintaining the environment — Melbourne Water website

Weeds can grow in the tidal canals from spring until late January, affecting the waterways and beaches.

Although they pose no identified health risks, Melbourne Water does not recommend touching them as some people may have allergic reactions.

The three main types of weeds are:

filamentous algae — a green long stringy weed

sea lettuce — a bright green mostly flat plant

sea grass — a browny-green ribbon-like weed