Matua Resident's Association in Tauranga says the smell of rotting sea lettuce is more apparent this summer.
Sea lettuce is often found on the shoreline of Matua and was discussed at a Tauranga harbour symposium on Thursday.
Association chairman Richard Kluit said he knows of at least one case where someone has been physically affected by the gasproduced by the rotting material.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council said this year has been a moderate year for sea lettuce with 1000 tonnes of the material picked up by the council.
