The comeback of Queensland’s Native Oyster – FRDC
Queensland’s oyster industry, long challenged by disease and climate pressures, is being revitalised through a bold aquaculture project. Researchers are trialling two native tropical species – the Blacklip Rock Oyster and the newly named Queensland Sunshine Oyster – which show strong resistance to QX disease, faster growth rates, and greater climate tolerance than Sydney Rock Oysters. With hatchery challenges overcome and early results from growers looking promising, these tropical oysters could reshape the future of farming along Queensland’s coast.
How could we clean up the algal bloom? The Conversation
South Australia is battling a massive harmful algal bloom driven by climate change, nutrient runoff, and habitat loss. While large-scale fixes are unfeasible, restoring oyster reefs and seagrass meadows – nature’s “kidneys and immune system” – offers hope for long-term resilience.
Safe no more: off-the-charts marine heat has severely damaged Ningaloo and other pristine coral reefs – The Conversation
Western Australia has experienced its most severe marine heatwave on record, causing widespread coral bleaching and death across iconic reefs like Ningaloo, Rowley Shoals, and the Kimberley, with heat stress far exceeding bleaching thresholds. Scientists warn recovery will be challenging without urgent climate action as global ocean temperatures continue to rise.
CSIRO: Marine heatwave forecasts help predict coral bleaching, fish kills and algal blooms
Australia has an opportunity to use marine heatwave forecasting to develop rapid responses to biological disruptions.
Experts gather to discuss WA’s marine heatwave
Over 120 experts met in Perth for WA’s first Marine Heatwave Symposium, held during National Science Week, to address the State’s most severe marine heatwave, which caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality. The event focused on sharing research, improving understanding, and guiding future monitoring and recovery efforts.
When a beach walk feels like grief: disasters like SA’s algal bloom cut us off from nature when we need it most – The Conversation
A harmful algal bloom in South Australia has killed marine life, damaged the economy, and made beaches unsafe, cutting communities off from “blue spaces” that support physical and mental wellbeing. The crisis has also sparked citizen science, wildlife rescues, and advocacy for stronger environmental protection.
South Australian Government: Algal Bloom Update
The South Australian Government are providing a weekly newsletter with updates for what is happening along the South Australian coastline.
Their newsletter aims to bring you clear facts, safety advice, and timely updates so you can stay informed. Share it with friends and family to help everyone feel confident about visiting the beach and enjoying local seafood.
The drivers of algal blooms in Australia: What causes algae to go from friend to foe? Biodiversity Council
South Australia’s toxic Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom has killed vast amounts of marine life, fuelled by unusually warm, calm seas and lingering nutrients from floods and upwelling. Climate change is expected to make such harmful blooms more frequent and severe, highlighting the need for climate action and better nutrient management.
Western Australia SW Nearshore and Estuarine Fisheries Case Study workshops
Last week, the Sea Change Australia team held our first case study workshops in Albany and Fremantle, WA, bringing together fishers, managers, and researchers to discuss climate change impacts and adaptation for the south-west’s nearshore and estuarine fisheries. Supported by DPIRD and the FRDC, the workshops marked an important step in collaborative planning for a changing climate.
ABC: Algal bloom recreational fishing response includes plans for artificial reef and reservoirs
In short:
Support measures for SA’s recreational fishing sector as it battles the algal bloom include plans for an artificial reef and an expansion of fishing in reservoirs.
A $200,000 grant will go to RecFish SA to bolster community fishing participation.
What’s next?
RecFish SA has backed the reservoir plan but says it will require feedback from SA Water and SA Health.