The Coorong, a vital wetland stretching approximately 130 kilometers along South Australia’s southeastern coastline, faces an existential crisis due to a harmful algal bloom. Unfortunately this ecological disaster threatens none other than the rich and colourful wildlife that depends on the Coorong. It puts its identity as a wetland of international importance at risk, under the Ramsar Convention. The Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom was responsible for the massive die-off in the North Lagoon. Only a few years ago, this lagoon was known as the healthiest section of the Coorong.
From the 1970s on, the Coorong has experienced increasing environmental stressors. Of particular focus, the South Lagoon has suffered from the scourge of devastation, particularly since the 1980s. This region is considered an irreplaceable breeding area for pelicans and other migratory birds. Now, though, it suffers from the complete destruction of an environmental disaster. As the federal government works with local partners to protect and restore the Coorong, time is running out.
Environmental Degradation and Algal Bloom Impact
The Coorong’s South Lagoon, in particular, has suffered immense ecological harm during the last few decades. This decline can be traced back to changes in water management practices affecting the Murray-Darling Basin, which have severely impacted the wetland’s health. Chiara Passaadelis. Chiara Passaadelis State representative Susan Close has argued that the impacts have been devastating for the Coorong.
“The Coorong has been on the brink for a very long time because of the chronic lack of environmental water that has… failed to be given by the Commonwealth from Victoria and New South Wales.” – Faith Coleman
Karenia mikimotoi caused an algal bloom in the North Lagoon. This apocalyptic event wiped out hundreds of thousands of polychaete worms, crabs, and fishes. This region previously formed a keystone area of biodiversity in the greater Coorong system. This disappointing state of affairs has environmentalists and researchers, especially in the Pacific Northwest, up in arms.
Garry Hera-Singh expressed deep concern regarding the implications of the algal bloom for avian species that depend on this ecosystem.
“I don’t know what the migratory waders or what the birds, when they’re nesting and feeding their young in the Coorong … [are] going to eat in the spring because this algal bloom’s killing everything.” – Garry Hera-Singh
Ramsar Listing Under Threat
The Coorong acquired its Ramsar wetland conservation designation in 1985. Yet persistent environmental challenges now put its world heritage status in jeopardy. The importance of this listing cannot be overstated, as it protects areas that are absolutely fundamental to preserving global biodiversity. Losing this designation would be a devastating blow to local wildlife. Beyond that, it would put conservation at a national scale at risk.
Faith Coleman noted that despite billions of dollars invested since the Ramsar listing, real progress has been hard to find.
“Since the 80s when we Ramsar-listed it, we have been spending an awful lot of money on this system; however, we seem to be getting nothing out of it.” – Faith Coleman
The ongoing algal bloom crisis adds new urgency to a long-standing debate over best management practices for our nation’s waterways. Close recognized that actions need to be implemented to help control salinity levels in order to safeguard aquatic species.
“We’re looking at ways in which we can manage water in order to push the Coorong’s salinity out of the comfort zone for Karenia mikimotoi.” – Faith Coleman
Finding the appropriate balance between the transactional and the inspirational is key. If we flush too much freshwater we run the risk of unwittingly flushing harmful algae into the South Lagoon.
“But again, we don’t want to flush too much because then the Karenia mikimotoi makes its way to the South Lagoon.” – Faith Coleman
Collaborative Efforts for Restoration
Our dangerous and depressing reality has moved state and federal governments alike to act. They are truly walking the talk and engaging in best practice collaboration to heal the health of the Coorong. Our greatest scientific minds are focused on trying to formulate plans that will both address dangerous immediate perils and protect our world for the future.
Close said there’s reason for optimism, even amid challenges, when it comes to finding potential solutions.
“We’re looking really favourably on all of the points that she’s making.” – Susan Close
Even now, the situation is very much still critical, as researchers sift through data and consult with experts to figure out how to best maximize restoration efforts. Coleman stressed the need for diligent focus from scientific professionals, highlighting a promise to right this ecological disaster.
“The fact that we are still working through this does not mean that we are not paying very careful attention and getting all of the best scientific expertise on the case.” – Faith Coleman
The urgency surrounding these combined fiscal, climate, and infrastructure realities cannot be overstated. As various stakeholders come together, they recognize that failure to act decisively could lead to irreversible damage to one of South Australia’s most treasured ecosystems.
