Initial hope of cold water dispersing the toxic algae bloom across South Australian coastlines has faded, with it proving resistant to recent storm surges.
Marine life continues to die and wash up on beaches across Adelaide due to the bloom.
In March, a notable foam — likened by some to the froth on a milkshake — and its effects were first noticed by surfers at Waitpinga, about 100km from Adelaide, with the EPA reporting the algae being the toxic micro-algae karenia mikimotoi.
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This comes two weeks after a strong storm surge drove the algae back up the Murray River at Goolwa, entering the Coorong through the Murray Mouth — where the river meets the Southern Ocean.
It has since been found on beaches from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay, with the algae now being reported on the western side of Adelaide’s beaches.
Locals have found hundreds of rarely seen sea creatures dead on the sand.
There is no “magic wand” to remove the algae from Adelaide coastlines, with the algae simply waiting on the sea floor until the water warms up again, Minister for Primary Industries and Regions Susan Close said on Monday.
“What we are experiencing is the effects of climate change, it is what happens when you have an ongoing marine heatwave off our coast,” Close said.
“We are forecasting over the next 12 months (for the reoccurrence of the algae).”
More than 80 researches from both Adelaide and around the world are helping in research efforts to keep an eye on the algae and its effects on the marine life, Close said.
The storms that were predicted to remove the toxic algae, have since proved to benefit it instead, with it now spreading further across SA coastlines.
“To storms and cooler temperatures, we are seeing the algae being very persistent in South Australian waters,” Close said.
“We’ve seen the large mass of algae, the depth of some 20 metres and the size of Kangaroo Island break up significantly.
“What has happened is a lot of it has just been moved around into other parts of South Australia waters, including the metropolitan coast.
“This is of concern because we are continuing to see marine life washing up on our coastline.”
Human exposure, which includes breathing in algae particles, can cause respiratory and eye irritation or skin rashes in some people, while ingestion could cause stomach upsets or flu-like symptoms.
The particles can become airborne and affect nearby beachside properties.
In the meantime, PIRSA and SA Health have advised the public not to collect or eat any dead or dying fish or marine organisms found along the shore.
To report unusual sightings of fish kills or affected marine life, residents are urged to contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522. Concerns about water quality can be reported to the EPA at 1800 623 445 or by emailing yo*****@****ov.au.
Lauren Thomson
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