South Australia's algal bloom - all your questions answered

As a large natural algal bloom continues to affect parts of South Australia’s coastline, the State and Federal Governments have released the $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan (the Plan), a comprehensive suite of measures to protect South Australia’s coast, back coastal communities and support our summer lifestyle.

Should you visit the beach this summer, and what safeguards are in place? How are impacted coastal businesses and communities being supported? And what is being done to monitor and protect our marine environment? Read the FAQs below to learn more.

First things first: what actually is an algal bloom?

An algal bloom happens when tiny plant-like organisms in the water – called algae –grow very quickly and in large numbers.

The algal bloom impacting areas of the South Australian coast is caused by a naturally occurring marine algae called Karenia. It’s part of a group called harmful algal blooms (HABs), which form when ocean conditions – like warmer water and nutrient levels – let algae grow quickly and spread.

While Karenia isn’t toxic to humans, it has been deadly for marine life – affecting more than 400 species of fish, sharks, rays, shellfish, seahorses and other creatures.

This bloom has had a serious impact on marine life and the industries that rely on it – especially fishing, aquaculture and tourism.

Can I visit the beach?

It’s safe to visit the beach, but steer clear of the water if it looks off. Avoid swimming or surfing in water that is abnormally-coloured, foamy, or where there’s dead marine life. If in doubt, stay out.

Your furry friend can still hit the sand - just keep them out of abnormal water and away from dead fish.

Some people may experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, itchy eyes or skin irritation when exposed to affected water or sea spray.

If symptoms occur, leave the area and seek medical advice if needed.

For further health advice, visit the Algal Bloom health advice webpage.

How can I be confident about enjoying the beach this summer?

To help you make an informed decision about visiting the beach this summer, there are some extra measures in place.

Extra ‘Between the Flags’ beach patrols

Surf Life Saving South Australia has increase its patrol presence this summer, with daily Between the Flag patrols now operating on eight of the state's busiest beaches, including Semaphore, Henley Beach, Glenelg, Brighton, Port Noarlunga, Moana, Aldinga and Goolwa.

The Surf Life Saving patrols are conducting daily inspections and ensure the flags are placed in areas where the water is safe, giving South Australians confidence they can safely swim between the flags.

Lifesavers are on the beach in red and yellow, ready to support the community.

Surf Life Saving’s Beachsafe app

You can check the condition and status of popular metropolitan and southern coast beaches before you go, by using Surf Life Saving’s Beachsafe app.

The app features information on algal bloom conditions like the presence of any abnormal foam or abnormally coloured water, when the beach was last cleaned, and a picture of the beach.

The free Beachsafe app provides information about 23 locations about South Australia, with Surf Life Saving teams updating the details four times a day during summer. Information is also available via Surf Life Saving SA's existing Beachsafe.org.au website.

Daily beach clean-ups

Daily co-ordinated beach clean-ups are continuing along the metro and southern beaches, to ensure clean and tidy beaches that can be enjoyed all throughout summer.

Are there other ways to have fun in the water this summer?

Aquatic activity and time at the beach are important parts of South Australians' lives during summer. Naturally, some people may turn to their local swimming pool to enjoy the water.

Support your lcoal aquatic club

Local aquatic clubs play a big role in summer fun. Grants are available to help them manage the impacts of the algal bloom, covering essential costs such as equipment and event delivery. Find out more at algalbloom.sa.gov.au.

Take to the water by boat

Love boating? The State Government has madeit easier to get out on the water.

• 50% off recreational boat and trailer registration for 12 months
• Free boat ramp access for 12 months, thanks to partnerships with local councils.

With these initiatives you can still enjoy your favourite marine activities with local councils.

National Parks along our coast are free to access this summer, including Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, Deep Creek National Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park on Yorke Peninsula, and Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Parks on the Eyre Peninsula.

Vist the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website to find out more.

How can I do my bit to help impacted by the algal bloom?

Dining cashback vouchers - up to $50 off, are available to South Australians to use at a range of participating hospitality businesses in coastal areas this summer. This means savings at a range of restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, as well as takeaway venues.

No summer is complete without a meal watching the sunset, some local fish and chips or a big scoop of gelato by the beach. To register or to find out more visit the Coast is Calling website.

Can I still eat seafood?

All commercially available seafood from South Australian water is safe to eat. Shellfish available for sale is tested to make sure it meets strict safety standards. If you catch fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters or squid yourself, they are safe to eat if cleaned thoroughly and gutted before cooking.

Don’t eat self-collected bivalve molluscs (like oysters, cockles, mussels, pipis, scallops) or abalone, as they have not been tested for brevetoxin which causes gastro like symptoms.

Never eat dead or dying fish, cockles or other marine life found on the beach because of decomposition and spoilage.

What support is available for affected communities and industries?

The Summer Plan includes a package of funding with more than $27 million in industry grants and support for coastal communities, giving them the help they need now, while building the long-term resilience they'll need for the future, including:

Support for coastal communities

Up to $6.1 million in infrastructure grants for coastal recreationa facilities such as showers, benches, fish cleaning stations, barbecues and shade structures.

In addition to this, grants of up to $20,000 to assist with the promotion of events across coastal communites are available to help encourage visitation and economic activity.

Support for the fishing and marine sector

Eligible businesses which have already received a grant are now able to apply for a second grant if they can demonstrate a further three months of downturn.

This includes grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses or up to $100,000 for fisheries and aquaculture licence holders who have been unable to catch or harvest their usual catch. There is also an additional up to $25,000 for hardest hit fisheries and aquaculture licence holders to support their workers.

Grants of up to $150,000 are available for commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders to invest in projects that build business resilience, take advantage of new opportunities and help protect jobs.

Visit Algal Bloom Support Package | Small and Family Business to find out more.

In addition, there is an extension to licencing fee relief for the fishing and aquaculture sectors through to June 30, 2026, along with a package of measures to help grow the recreational fishing sector, including fishing competitions and promotion of the sector.

What’s being done to tackle the Algal Bloom?

The State and Federal governments are investing more than $37 million to protect our environment for the long term and support vital research to monitor and understand algal blooms. This includes funding for;

• Large-scale native oyster reef restoration
• Community shellfish reef restoration
• Seagrass and blue carbon restoration
• Threatened and vulnerable marine species breeding
• Water monitoring and forecasting
• Offshore water analysis
• AI Cytobots
• Establish an Office for Algal Bloom Research
• Algal bloom mitigation

Where can I find a copy of the Summer Plan?

You can access the Summer Plan online.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the SA Government Algal Bloom website algalboom.sa.gov.au for the most up to date information and sign up for the newsletter.

Call the algal bloom hotline - 1800 774 779, which operates from 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. It provides information on the current bloom, health advice, industry support, and allows you to report dead or sick wildlife.