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.
ABC The Science Show: Oceans are becoming hotter, long-term trends show
Ocean heatwaves are intensifying, with all Australian waters warmer in winter 2025 and heat-linked events like algal blooms emerging. Professor Matthew England warns that a major Atlantic current (AMOC), which helps regulate climate and support marine life, is slowing with global consequences.
Science: Governing novel climate interventions in rapidly changing oceans
Editor’s summary
Global warming is causing substantial, rapid changes in our oceans. Attempts to adapt to these changes have already involved a host of marine-climate interventions, but to what effect? Morrison et al. reviewed the evidence and concluded that the marine governance systems meant to ensure that climate goals remain achievable and that societal and ecosystem risks are minimized have failed to keep pace with mitigation efforts. Intervention-specific principles need to be embedded within governance at all levels to avoid the worst risks associated with deploying new marine-climate interventions at scale. —Jesse Smith
Joint media release Australian Federal Government: Delivering better marine heatwave outlooks
The Albanese Government is supporting the rollout of a new long-range marine heatwave forecasting system, developed by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO. Launching publicly in the 2025/26 summer, the outlooks will predict ocean temperature extremes up to three months in advance to help protect marine ecosystems and support fisheries, aquaculture, and climate resilience planning.