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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/13/a-horror-movie-sharks-and-octopuses-among-200-species-killed-by-toxic-algae-off-south-australia>
"More than 200 marine species, including deepwater sharks, leafy sea dragons
and octopuses, have been killed by a toxic algal bloom that has been affecting
South Australia’s coastline since March.
Nearly half (47%) of the dead species were ray-finned fish and a quarter (26%)
were sharks and rays, according to OzFish analysis of 1,400 citizen scientist
reports.
Cephalopods – such as squid, cuttlefish and octopuses – accounted for 7%, while
decapods – crabs, lobsters and prawns – made up 6% of species reported dead or
washed up on beaches.
The OzFish South Australian project manager, Brad Martin, said the harmful
bloom – of
Karenia mikimotoi algae – was like a toxic blanket that smothered
marine life.
“It can suffocate fish from their gills, cause haemorrhaging by attacking their
red blood cells, and act as a neurotoxin and attack the fish’s nervous system
and brain, causing unusual behaviour,” he said.
“This is why some fish and sharks are acting so strangely and why many of the
dead have a red tinge – it is like a horror movie for fish.”
According to the state’s environment department, the algal bloom was being
driven by an ongoing marine heatwave – with water temperatures 2.5C hotter than
usual – as well as relatively calm marine conditions with little wind and small
swells.
While not toxic to humans, the algae could cause skin irritations and
respiratory symptoms, and caused mass mortalities in marine life."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
