- The Guardian
- Issue #2163
Algae bloom. Photo: Specious Reasons – flickr.com (CC BY-NC 2.0)
In a warmer climate, changing conditions are creating a devastating algae bloom in South Australia’s coastal waters, one which can out-compete other species.
This has not been just an isolated pocket of decline. Thousands of marine creatures from great white sharks, to leafy sea dragons, even including dolphins, have washed up dead in the past few months on metropolitan beaches and along the South Australian coastline. Harmful algal blooms have long been known as a threat.
Murray Watt, Federal Environment Minister says, “No stone will be left unturned to ascertain the impact of the algae on marine life. Fast tracking assessments is the right call and shows the government is listening to the science.” Watt is the minister who approved Woodside’s North West Shelf extension to 2070, a project which will release 6.1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions.
The federal government hopes a recently announced jointly funded $28 million package will be enough to fix the damage. Parts of the South Australian continue to be affected by the ongoing micro algae bloom Karenia mikimotoi.
Maybe at last, Australian politicians are taking real notice of science instead of burying their heads in the sand. It is troubling that no measures are readily available to restrict the spread.
Causes of the algae bloom in South Australia have been attributed to three key events: flooding along the Murray River in 2023/24 and excessive run-off entering the sea, followed by a nutrient rich oceanic up-swelling, and in September 2024, a “marine heatwave” began encouraging bacterial growth.
In March 2025, surfers and beach-goers reported illnesses after visiting Waitpinga Beach on the Fleurieau Peninsula. Flu-like symptoms were experienced along with respiratory complaints and skin rashes. In addition, brown foam and dead sea creatures were found on the beach.
Milder, drier weather has done little to dissipate the bloom, but the appearance of another bacteria, Noctiluca scintillans, which creates “sea sparkle,” offers some hope as this bacteria likes to consume the algae bloom bacteria . However, although computer modelling at Flinders University predicts an easing in the bloom over winter, this is offset by a predicted increase during summer.
At the community level, commercial fishing, tourism and coastal businesses face severe disruption. Hope currently lies in a socialistic approach from government through a federal $14 million package matched by the state, but a national disaster call is yet to be made. Ecological catastrophes may lack the dramatic impact of the horrendous bushfires or calamitous floods that so often form part of the Australian scene, but accelerated climate change means that such events will be more frequent and demand more comprehensive responses.
Studies show that local fixes alone, such as reducing fertiliser runoff, are no longer enough. Climate change action is essential for protection against such disasters as algal bloom in the long run. Healthy seas mean healthy communities; ignoring these issues results in greater risks to our water, wildlife, and wallets. An immediate commitment is required from the government and opposition to reduce Australia’s carbon footprint and investments in renewable energy as an alternative.
