Residents along the South Australian coastline are suffering catastrophic health outcomes. These issues are the result of an ongoing algal bloom featuring the toxic phytoplankton species Karenia mikimotoi. On 27 March, the bloom was first observed near Waitpinga Beach. Since then, residents have sounded the alarm, developing flu-like illnesses including chronic cough and eye irritation.
The algal bloom has already had a profound impact on human health, and it represents an existential threat to marine life. As Karenia mikimotoi blooms, oxygen levels diminish in the water, forming a deadly habitat unsuitable for fish and other marine organisms. As the bloom remains an all-too-persistent presence, residents share how this algae bloom affects their everyday lives and recreation.
Health Impacts on Residents
Jackson Baker, another local resident, has taken to wearing a mask after he started experiencing a severe, chronic cough when algal bloom first appeared. The discomfort led him to reimagine his approach to beach days and outings.
“I just can’t be happy when I’m outside anymore, when I’m near the beach,” – Jackson Baker.
His mom, Kirsty Whitehead, knows what he’s going through. She notes that both she and her son have experienced deleterious effects from the bloom. Now, Jackson wears a face mask on his walks to help mask breathing issues.
“The cough really does end up hurting him physically with his back and chest,” – Kirsty Whitehead.
That’s why local pharmacist Ajit Das is stepping up. …he’s handing the other products, such as inhalers and antihistamine eye drops, to runners, cyclists and other customers lamenting itchy eyes and hay fever symptoms.
“One of the customers that came in was really traumatised,” – Ajit Das.
The South Australia government maintains that Karenia mikimotoi does not release harmful toxins for humans. They promise that the algal bloom won’t result in long-term health problems. Although these reassurances calmed some fears, thousands of residents are concerned as the situation continues.
Community Concerns and Responses
Brianna Le Busque, who surveyed over 600 individuals—including locals, businesses, and scientists—reported that many residents have never experienced anything like this before.
“For most South Australians, they haven’t experienced anything like this in terms of algal blooms or other natural disasters,” – Brianna Le Busque.
Her research shows people are more worried than ever about our environmental crisis and how it’s affecting our favorite beaches. Others have documented renovations around long-known haunts, further stoking fear and paranoia among their unappreciated population.
“People are saying things like this is the first time they are noticing changes to a location near them and a beach that means a lot to them,” – Brianna Le Busque.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Le Busque’s survey found that the jail was popular among its residents. Many residents have given up engaging in activities they used to enjoy, such as surfing.
“We’ve talked to people who said they used to surf every day but haven’t surfed since the algal bloom started,” – Brianna Le Busque.
The emotional toll is becoming evident as residents witness discolored sea foam accumulating around rocks on the shoreline and dead marine animals washing ashore.
“When they go to the beach or they see footage of dead animals washing up on the beach that is also creating more worry and anxiety,” – Brianna Le Busque.
Environmental Observations
Though the algal bloom may be the most dramatic and visible change, it represents a host of toxic changes in the coastal environment. Discolored sea foam along Hatteras Island has raised alarms over water quality. In response, officials have put up signs warning beachgoers to avoid foamy spots, while telling the public that going to the beach is mostly safe.
Philip Weinstein, a marine biologist, described the effects for marine organisms exposed to Karenia mikimotoi as “torturous.”
“If you’re a fish swimming in it and filtering it through your gills you’ve got a pretty intense exposure,” – Philip Weinstein.
He highlighted the urgency in approaching these environmental matters, as they are heavily impacting nearby ecosystems and the health of his community.
“It does feel like there is this groundswell of people really wanting to help the beach and help the animals on our coastline,” – Philip Weinstein.
Community members are coming together to address this damage and injustice. Most of them are out there passionately calling for action to reduce their environmental impacts.
“To see these impacts on our favourite beaches is leading more people to action,” – Brianna Le Busque.
