Algal… Algal … !!! Confronting the Threat Along Adelaide’s Beaches

In the afternoon we were joined by industry representatives from aquaculture, fishing, recreational fishing, tourism, surf life saving, and local government along with Member for Sturt Clare Clutterham and Senator Charlotte Walker. Many thanks to them all for their insights, suggestions and sharing the issues of their industries.

While we have had algal blooms in Australia previously, they have generally cleared up on a matter of weeks. This is unprecedented and is the result of several factors coming together — nutrient rich water from the Murray River floods and an unusually large upwelling from off the continental shelf, a marine heat wave of ~2.5 degrees and sunny days. Algae like nutrients, warmth and sunlight. Unfortunately, climate change means these sorts of events are more likely.

The Albanese Labor Government has announced this week that the Threatened Species Committee has been asked to urgently consider what impact the bloom has had on hundreds of species across the coast. This announcement comes as part of the $28 million package announced between the State and Federal Governments.

Naturalist App for Citizen Science:

Many residents have asked if there is anything they can do to help If you are walking along our coast you can download the iNaturalist App and report your findings of any dead sea life.

Data uploaded to the iNaturalist citizen scientist platform and app has so far identified more than 100 species impacted by the algal bloom and marine heatwave which is valuable information.

Senate Inquiry on the Algal Bloom:

On 23 July 2025, the Senate referred the causes, frequency, scale and duration of recent algal blooms in South Australian marine and coastal environments inquiry to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 October 2025.

The inquiry is currently taking public submissions with a closing date of 22 August 2025.
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/AlgalBloom48P

Community Forums:

The South Ausralian Government are hosting forums scheduled around SA, with the Premier, representatives from SARDI, Dept of Environment and Water, SA Health, Fisheries and Aquaculture section of PIRSA, and SA Tourism Commission to talk about the bloom and then answered questions from the audience.

I attended the first forum at Brighton, which was very well attended.  The information provided was very valuable as was the range of questions taken from the audience.

To register your interest use the link …………………………………………>>>>>>>>>>>…… https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/home/community-forums

Is it dangerous to humans?

K. mikimotoi is not known to cause any long-term harmful effects in humans but exposure to discoloured or foamy water can cause short term skin and eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, including coughing and shortness of breath.  This includes exposure via surf spray and aerosol water/algal particles.

SA Health advises there is no evidence that people with asthma are more susceptible to symptoms caused by these algal particles. However asthmatics are advised to adhere to their asthma management plan should they experience symptoms.

Is it safe to eat seafood?

Commercially bought fish and seafood, and fish caught live are OK to eat!

Please continue to support our local seafood industry through buying seafood and eating at local cafes and restaurants that serve local seafood. Read more on safe to eat seafood here……………………(Source: SA Health)

What do I do if I find a dead fish/marine life?

Report fish deaths to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522, and report it on the iNaturalist app for citizen science.
Further info:  The following resources are regularly updated and provide valuable insights:

1. Department for Environment and Water – SA harmful algal bloom update
2. Water quality alerts | SA Health
3. Harmful algal bloom (HAB) situation update – PIRSA