The South Australian Government met with relevant state and federal agencies and affected councils regarding the ongoing microalgae bloom, Karenia mikimotoi, on Wednesday 9 April.
The bloom is currently affecting beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.
With many South Australians expected to head to the coast over the next fortnight for Easter and the school holidays, the meeting was to ensure the community has access to the environmental, primary production and health information they need to safely enjoy the coast.
This is a dynamic situation as the bloom travels depending on weather and water conditions and the impact on people in these areas can therefore be unpredictable.
People are advised to avoid swimming at beaches where there is discoloured water and foam, and to avoid walking on beaches if experiencing symptoms.
The algae does not produce a toxin that is harmful to humans or one that could cause long-term effects. However, exposure can cause skin irritation, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. These symptoms resolve within several hours after leaving the beach and adjacent area.
Karenia mikimotoi can also cause mass marine species mortalities at varying concentrations and is known to impact the gills of fish.
People should not eat dead or dying fish or cockles due to spoilage and decomposition and are encouraged to report any marine mortalities to FishWatch on 1800 065 522 so they can be added to the testing regime being carried out by PIRSA. Fish caught live are safe to eat.
The commercial harvesting of pipis was closed on 16 April between the Murray Mouth to 10 km south of the mouth. This is to ensure dead or dying pipis are not packaged for human consumption, as it can cause a food safety concern. Regular ongoing testing in the open harvest areas will continue, to ensure the safety of the consumption of commercially harvested pipis.
The event is thought to have been driven by an ongoing marine heatwave, with water temperatures currently 2.5°C warmer than usual, as well as relatively calm marine conditions with little wind and small swells.
The bloom is expected to remain present until the state receives strong westerly winds, which historically start around the end of April. Nothing can be done to dilute or dissipate the bloom.
Similar outbreaks around the world have generally lasted between a week to two months depending on wind, rain and ocean temperature fluctuations.
The last time a large event of this type of algae was recorded in SA was in 2014 in Coffin Bay.
Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach, where significant levels of the bloom were first detected in early March, have now reopened after algae levels reduced. Visitors to those two beaches should still follow SA Health’s advice and avoid entering the water if it is discoloured or foamy.
We encourage anyone who discovers a dead or sick marine mammal to contact their local National Parks and Wildlife Service office.
If people are experiencing symptoms outside their homes, SA Health recommends they remain indoors with windows closed until the symptoms pass. If symptoms are more severe or do not resolve, then seek medical advice from a GP and call 000 if a medical emergency.
See Water quality alerts on the the SA Health website for further health advice.
