Since March, South Australia has grappled with a devastating algal bloom that has wreaked havoc on marine life and disrupted local industries. The environmental impact is catastrophic, with more than 450 marine species being found washed ashore from the bloom. This phenomenon has severely impacted commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, and tourism. In response to the crisis, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt announced a $28 million commitment to address the crisis. He didn’t go as far as to declare it a national catastrophe. Experts have cautioned that wildlife deaths may soon rival the tragedy of the Black Summer Bushfires. Such potential for loss – no matter how big or small – is unacceptable and alarming.
The algal bloom presents very real and urgent ramifications that extend well beyond the borders of South Australia. It endangers sensitive coastal ecosystems and migratory wildlife across national boundaries. Fortunately, an independent group of marine scientists has taken the lead to raise their concerns about this alarming trend. They’ve developed a detailed seven-point plan to address the epidemic crisis. They argue that a $10 million investment would be a needed start to spurring research. To inform these recovery efforts, this research will evaluate and measure the effects of the toxic bloom on impacted species.
The Algal Bloom’s Impact
The algal bloom that wreaked havoc on South Australia’s coastal marine ecosystem. Related upstream and downstream local fishing and aquaculture industries are already experiencing dramatic impacts. At the same time, tourism is taking a hit due to increased perceptions of marine danger. Times have changed, with citizen scientists recently surpassing the 14,000th observation logged. This serves as a reference for the unprecedented extent of the algal bloom this year.
According to professor of marine ecology, Emma Pecl, this extinction event was just the tip of the iceberg. “The scale of each harmful algal bloom event seems to be increasing,” he noted, underscoring the likelihood of future occurrences if climate change continues unabated. He further stated, “If there isn’t something done to mitigate, to reduce climate emissions, warming will continue and these kinds of events will be more and more likely.”
As a positive note, Professor Pecl emphasized that the algal bloom is mostly contained to South Australia. Its influence is being seen far beyond the Beltway, across the entire country. “Although the footprint of the harmful algal bloom at the moment looks like it’s limited to South Australia, many of those species there have really important connections to the west coast and the east coast,” he explained.
A Plan for Recovery
Leading marine scientists have put together a smart, strategic seven-point plan. This plan represents the first step in addressing the impacts of the year-round algal bloom emergency. You’re required to make a minimum $10 million initial investment in research. This funding will help us figure out what species are impacted by the bloom and the severity of that impact. Underlying the proposed strategy is a recognition that continuing long-term monitoring programs are essential for monitoring the health of priority places such as the Great Southern Reef.
Lead author Professor Ivan Nagelkerken from the University of Adelaide Environment Institute said the need for urgent action cannot be overstated. “It is vital for all governments to heed this wake-up call and act,” he stated. Among his other proposals were a reforestation of marine ecosystems—such as kelp forests and seagrass meadows. Natural and working ecosystems help build resilience, support biodiversity, and enhance water quality.
Lastly, Professor Nagelkerken highlighted the importance of collaborative action to mitigate coastal nutrient and greenhouse gas emissions. “We must collectively do all we can to reduce coastal nutrient inputs and greenhouse gas emissions,” he urged.
Government Response and Future Actions
Murray Watt’s pledge of $28 million is aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term needs as South Australia navigates recovery from this environmental crisis. He noted particularly a greater need for consultation with the South Australian government. It is through these bilaterals that the Administration will determine how best to use this funding.
“Despite this financial commitment, experts like Professor Pecl caution that much more is needed to adequately respond to the challenges posed by algal blooms and other climate-related disasters. “The damage that’s been incurred … will massively exceed the boundaries of the bloom itself,” he warned, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems across Australia.
Professor Nicki Mitchell echoed these concerns, stating that climate change is likely to escalate natural disasters affecting biodiversity, industries, and communities. “Due to man-made climate change, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters that harm biodiversity, industries and communities will only increase,” she noted. This extends beyond just HABS to include the impacts of marine and terrestrial heatwaves, flooding and bushfires.
