Office for Algal Bloom Research

Latest information

For the latest information on the algal bloom in South Australia, read the latest situation update or go to the dedicated algal bloom website.

Algal bloom situation update Algal bloom website

About harmful algal blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent a significant and evolving challenge for South Australia and the nation, with impacts extending across marine ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture, public health and coastal communities.

These large-scale microalgae blooms can:

cause fish kills
affect wildlife
disrupt seafood production
affect human health
impact recreational use of coastal environments.

South Australia’s most recent algal bloom, dominated by Karenia species, highlights the dynamic and unpredictable nature of these events, with movement and intensity influenced by ocean conditions, weather and environmental variability.

HABs are increasingly associated with broader environmental change. Elevated sea surface temperatures linked to marine heatwaves, along with shifting oceanographic conditions, are recognised as key contributing factors influencing bloom development, persistence and spread.

Government agencies continue to work together to monitor the situation, protect the environment and support coastal communities and businesses, while remaining vigilant to the possibility of future blooms.

This growing risk profile underscores the need for integrated, science-led capability to improve monitoring, prediction and response.

Strengthening capacity in harmful algal bloom research will support informed decision-making, reduce impacts on industries and communities, and enhance preparedness for future harmful algal bloom events.

Our role

The mission of the Office for Algal Bloom Research is to deliver integrated and connected science to enable early detection, improve prediction and support rapid, evidence-based response to harmful algal blooms.

The Office will coordinate harmful algal bloom science, translating research into operational decision-making and supporting resilience across government, industry and communities.

Funded through a joint State and Commonwealth investment under the $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan, this $3.2 million South Australian-based office has been established within SARDI as the central hub for integrated harmful algal bloom research and response.

It brings together multidisciplinary expertise and connects with research networks nationally and internationally to support detection, prediction and response across South Australia and beyond. The Office for Algal Bloom Research welcomes future partnerships as we build Australia’s capacity to prepare for future harmful algal blooms.

Research capability

The Office for Algal Bloom Research builds on SARDI's existing research capability to provide comprehensive facilities and research services including: