Overview
- UTS-led researchers sampling 39 sites report Karenia cristata as the dominant species for most of the bloom and the likely source of neurotoxic brevetoxins.
- The finding marks the first identification of this species in Australian waters, with prior records limited to South Africa and off Newfoundland.
- K. cristata is the only one of five Karenia species detected in this event known to produce brevetoxins, with analogues similar to those from Florida’s K. brevis and linked to human respiratory irritation.
- Authorities say recent counts have dropped at several Adelaide metropolitan locations, and SARDI is testing modified clays as a potential mitigation tool.
- Drivers of the outbreak remain unclear, previous explanations are being re‑examined, and early evidence of a 14–18°C preference raises hopes the bloom could ease as waters warm.