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https://theconversation.com/south-australias-algal-bloom-may-shrink-over-winter-but-this-model-suggests-it-will-spread-to-new-areas-in-summer-261549>
"South Australia is desperate for help to tackle an unprecedented harmful algal
bloom that has decimated marine life up and down the coast. While the extent of
the damage is still unknown, my preliminary research suggests there’s no end in
sight. It may just get better over winter before it gets worse next summer.
The
Karenia mikimotoi bloom first appeared in March on two surf beaches
outside Gulf St Vincent, about an hour south of Adelaide. It has since spread,
killing all kinds of marine organisms – from crabs and small fish to sharks and
rays. Only the neighbouring Spencer Gulf, far west coast and southeast coasts
have been spared. For now.
In preliminary research now undergoing peer review, I have predicted the
bloom’s future spread using a new computer model. In the worst-case scenario,
the harmful algal bloom would reach the Spencer Gulf and spread – from Port
Lincoln to Whyalla and across to Port Pirie – next summer and autumn. That
would be extremely bad news for the thriving seafood, aquaculture and tourism
industries. They may need help to prepare.
Some help is on the way. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt yesterday
announced A$14 million in federal funding. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas
convened an Emergency Management Cabinet Committee meeting today and signed off
on a $28 million support package.
A map of South Australian showing worst-case scenario predictions from the
model for April 2026, with high concentrations of harmful algae in both gulfs."
Cheres,
*** 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
