Researchers in South Australia are urgently working to understand and combat an unprecedented algal bloom affecting marine ecosystems along the Fleurieu Peninsula. Led by Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale, her team, including researcher Lachlan Burns, has been diligently collecting water samples from six different locations since the bloom’s onset. Their ultimate aim is to prevent the crisis deepening by determining what species is specifically involved and what biological controls can be used.
This year’s algal bloom has caused significant concern because of its effects on marine life. Over 30,000 dead marine organisms have been reported across the citizen science platform iNaturalist since February. Innocent local communities are continuing to bear the brunt of the devastating effects on the ground. Various research teams, both locally and internationally, are collaborating to unravel the complexities of this ecological challenge.
Collaborative Efforts and Research Initiatives
Professor Dinsdale’s crew have focused on regularly sampling water across the Fleurieu Peninsula. Their intention is to collect the most robust data set. She stresses that we’ll only learn how to best work with the bloom through extensive trial and error.
“The process would be quite a lot of trial and error,” – Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale
Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff has recently returned from retirement. He’s been hands on, aiding his team in pinpointing each species that’s participating in the bloom. His expertise becomes essential as researchers work to develop a better understanding of how these different species of Karenia are adding to this toxic recipe. Down in the antipodes, New Zealand is watching closely. They have shipped additional samples to New Zealand’s Cawthron Institute for further analysis.
“There seems to be more than one species of Karenia present, and every species of Karenia has different toxicological impacts,” – Shauna Murray
Professor Shauna Murray and her colleagues have successfully identified several algal species, including Karenia mikimotoi, which is known to be toxic to gilled organisms. They are actively working to isolate other species that may be playing a role in the crisis.
The Search for Solutions
Professor Dinsdale is still optimistic that an algae-killing virus could be found among their samples. If they can isolate and grow this virus in the laboratory, it could be a viable option for controlling the bloom.
“I think we’ve got to try something,” – Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale
And, yet, she admits that there aren’t any easy answers at least not right now. This bloom is showing no sign of letting up, mostly because ecological conditions are quite ripe for rampant microalgae growth in South Australia, particularly around Adelaide.
“Around Adelaide, there’s nothing stopping the microalgae from growing,” – Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale
Professor Hallegraeff draws attention to the superb potential growth rate of these organisms in South Australian waters. He covers the challenges of culturing them in a lab environment.
“It is amazing how well this organism is growing in South Australia, and the difficulty we have getting it to grow in culture,” – Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff
Even as the need for solutions becomes more urgent, experts understand how complicated the problem is. Professor Hallegraeff warns that it will take time to find a complete answer.
“Everybody wants a solution tomorrow, preferably three months ago,” – Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff
Ecological Implications and Future Outlook
There are broader implications of this algal bloom beyond the impacts to marine life that have already died. The presence of multiple Karenia species raises concerns about their varied toxicological effects on different organisms, including plants and mammals. As researchers start to identify possible interventions, they need to tread carefully.
Dr. Nina Wootton underscored the need for careful consideration when deploying any solutions into the complex and often brand-new marine environment.
“We have to be very careful about putting stuff into the marine environment,” – Dr. Nina Wootton
She cautions against unintended consequences, comparing new species introduction programs to invasive species cases such as that of the cane toad.
“If it’s not already there, obviously you don’t want to put it in and have a cane toad situation,” – Dr. Nina Wootton
As researchers carry out and expand upon these discoveries, they are deeply invested in finding solutions to this multi-faceted algal epidemic. Climate scientists and communicators are coming together like never before to address this challenge. They understand the times and need to avoid a death by a thousand cuts ecologically.
