Suspected algal bloom off Melbourne beach

An orange substance thought to be an algal bloom has been found near a Melbourne beach.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is working with the Environment Protection Agency to test and identify the orange substance, which was found off Williamstown Beach on Thursday afternoon.

Although algal blooms are rarely harmful to swimmers or other water users in Port Phillip, a DELWP spokesman said people should avoid contact, and wash if they come into contact with the substance.