Overview

• Authorities confirmed Karenia mikimotoi in low levels at West Lakes and have begun monitoring the Port River to determine the bloom’s extent
• Experts say ongoing marine heatwave and storm-driven currents have fueled the bloom’s spread and prevented natural cooling
• Research shows the algae can sink to the seabed and re-emerge when conditions improve, raising the risk of recurrence beyond next year
• Hundreds of marine animals, including dolphins, sharks and rays, have washed ashore dead since the bloom entered Adelaide waterways
• PIRSA and SA Health warn that airborne algal particles and contaminated sea foam may cause respiratory, skin and eye irritation and advise against handling stranded sea life