<
https://theconversation.com/when-a-beach-walk-feels-like-grief-disasters-like-sas-algal-bloom-cut-us-off-from-nature-when-we-need-it-most-262705>
"In March 2025, surfers and swimmers were the first to notice the harmful algal
bloom taking hold in South Australian waters. People catching waves at a
popular break on the Fleurieu Peninsula later reported feeling sick with
flu-like symptoms.
Over the five months since, an “unprecedented” environmental disaster has
unfolded, devastating marine ecosystems and the South Australian economy. It
has also fundamentally changed the way people connect to the ocean.
This particular bloom – caused by
Karenia mikimotoi – is deadly to various
marine species, while in humans it can cause milder illness and irritation.
But the impact on mental health and wellbeing is profound.
When people can no longer use “blue spaces” such as the ocean to surf, swim,
fish and walk on the beach, they are losing activities that calm and relax them
– exactly when they’re most sick with worry about their beloved coastline."
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
