You may notice sea foam or surface scum in this area – don’t be alarmed, it’s a naturally occurring phenomenon.
Sea foam or scum is most likely caused by harmless natural algae breaking down in the water.
The foam can sometimes be brown in colour and have an unpleasant smell, meaning it’s often mistaken
for sewage.
Signs of sea foam or scum:
• Thick foam that may be cream/brown coloured
• Long lines of surface scum with no obvious source
• Common April to September and in warm weather
• No clear source, can occur at any beach or water course
• Water colour usually normal
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
