As the Easter holiday season approaches, beachgoers and local industries face an environmental crisis that could damper the festive spirit.
This incident has manifested along several prominent stretches of shoreline, prompting observation and assessment of its impact on the local environment.
The effects of this event have been noted across various aspects of the coastal ecosystem, leading to a need for a closer examination of the underlying causes and the extent of its influence.
A toxic seafoam has been wreaking havoc along the coastline, particularly on the Fleurieu Peninsula, including the pristine shores of Kangaroo Island.
This frothy menace has not only become an eyesore but has also led to the tragic death of a vast array of sea life, from cockles to kangaroos, across some of South Australia’s most iconic surf beaches.
The situation has escalated to the point where thousands of dead cockles now blanket the sands from Goolwa to Victor Harbour.
The Alexandrina Council has warned the public sternly, advising against touching or consuming the dead shellfish littering the beaches.
In a Facebook post, they said that the council ‘has been in contact with leading State Government agencies’, which includes the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), SA Health, and the Department for Environment and Water.
This is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between our enjoyment of nature’s beauty and our responsibility to protect it.
Shane Mensforth, the editor of SA Angler magazine, has expressed concern over the timing of this ecological disaster.
‘With Easter and the school holidays just next week,’ he said, ‘it couldn’t come at a worse time, there will be a lot of people heading down to the Fleurieu Peninsula for Easter, Anzac Day and the school holidays.’
However, the presence of the toxic foam may force them to steer clear of the water, potentially leading to a significant downturn in local tourism and related industries before the winter chill sets in.
‘You don’t want to be caught eating fish that come out of the waters,’ he added.
Surfers at Waitpinga, about 100 km from Adelaide, first reported the foam on March 15, which some have likened to the froth on a milkshake.
Since then, the EPA has found the algae responsible for the foam on beaches stretching from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay.
The algae, identified as Karenia mikimotoi, is known to cause respiratory and eye irritation, skin rashes, and even flu-like symptoms in humans.
More alarmingly, it can lead to mass mortalities of marine species, with dead sea life, including octopuses, puffer fish, and seahorses, washing up on the affected beaches.
Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) has cited the ongoing marine heatwave, with water temperatures currently 2.5C above average and calm marine conditions are contributing factors to the bloom.
While no beach closures have been advised so far, the council and SA Health have recommended that people avoid swimming in areas with visible foam and discoloured water and refrain from consuming any dead sea life due to decomposition and spoilage risks.
Surfers and swimmers who brave the waters are advised to wash thoroughly with clean water after exposure. However, the toxic foam has already caused respiratory conditions among some surfers.
Anthony Rowland from Victor Harbor recounted his harrowing experience, describing symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, sore eyes, and even affected vision after being in the water.
In response to local concerns, Recfish SA board member Gavin Matthews investigated a large fish kill at Island Beach on Kangaroo Island.
While initial water samples did not indicate the presence of Karenia mikimotoi, further tests are being conducted, with results expected soon.
PIRSA urges anyone who notices unusual occurrences involving dead or dying fish to report them to FISHWATCH.
Amidst the turmoil, Fleurieu Peninsula resident Thomas Macfarlane has launched a petition demanding government transparency regarding the algae bloom.
He raises questions about the potential impact of cloud seeding and other atmospheric environmental interventions.
While Macfarlane later clarified that he is not asserting a direct link between cloud seeding and the algal blooms, he is advocating for a thorough investigation into all possible causes of the ecological disruption.
As we look ahead to the holiday season, we must stay informed and cautious about our beloved coastlines’ environmental challenges.
The toxic seafoam is a stark reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the need for vigilance in protecting them. If you’re planning a beach holiday in South Australia, check the latest updates on the seafoam situation and heed any warnings from local authorities.
Also read: Mysterious foam washes up on Waitpinga Beach with reports of fish deaths and surfers falling ill
