Photo taken on Kangaroo Island by RAD KI in May
Over 80 marine and environmental experts from across Australia convened to discuss the substantial algal bloom menace affecting South Australia’s shores. The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Science Forum, orchestrated by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a wing of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), was held on 3 June at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in West Beach.
The assembly included premier aquatic scientists from South Australia, notable national research entities, universities, government bodies, and community stakeholders. Experts from New Zealand on HABs contributed their insights as well. These blooms, consisting of excessive growths of microscopic algae, pose risks to marine life, human health, and water quality. The last significant occurrence within South Australian waters was reported at Coffin Bay in 2014.
The forum aimed to appraise the latest scientific discoveries, share operational experiences, pinpoint knowledge voids, and propose key actions for sustained and future undertakings in research and monitoring of such phenomena. The goal is to manage and lessen future instances to safeguard marine ecosystems, coastal industries, and public health. The discussion also touched on the need to utilize current data systems and research infrastructure to amplify early warning and response mechanisms.
This naturally occurring bloom has impacted various locations including the beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Coast, Kangaroo Island, and along Yorke Peninsula’s southern coast since March. Several factors potentially contributing to the bloom were highlighted, including the region enduring a marine heatwave since September 2024, with water temperatures averaging 2.5°C above normal, addressed alongside river floods and a unique cold-water upwelling event from the prior summer.
These blooms are unpredictable owing to their dependency on weather and ocean conditions, which complicates potential impacts on local communities and environmental health. Currently, there is no effective method identified to mitigate or disperse the bloom. Thus, relevant government bodies including PIRSA, the Department of Environment and Water (DEW), the Environment Protection Authority, and SA Health are jointly monitoring the situation. They are also executing sample testing at impacted sites and providing crucial environment, primary production, and health information to the public.
To keep relevant sectors informed, PIRSA has been disseminating monthly South Australian HAB Situation Updates since April to the commercial fisheries, aquaculture sectors, and recreational fishing communities. These updates can be accessed on the PIRSA website.
The continuation of the bloom is likely until the arrival of strong westerly winds normally associated with seasonal low pressure systems in winter; however, persistent high-pressure systems have delayed this climatic condition.
Outcomes from the forum will be compiled to enhance government readiness to counter and alleviate future similar occurrences. SARDI Executive Director, Professor Mike Steer remarked on the collaborative approach of the event: “This whole of sector approach in dealing with the current ongoing bloom ensures South Australia is well placed to manage the immediate risk and build resilience for the future. Unfortunately, indications are that while the scale of this current event is unprecedented, the impacts of climate change are such that we can expect such incidents again in the future. By harnessing the collective expertise of all involved from this event, we are shaping a robust and informed response to protect South Australia’s unique marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.”
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