A catastrophic toxic algal bloom in South Australia, known as Karenia mikimotoi, has killed marine life, disrupted fisheries and tourism, and triggered widespread concern. In response, the independent Biodiversity Council has released a seven-point plan urging immediate and long-term action, warning that the crisis may have national and long-term ecological consequences. The group, comprising scientists from five universities, is calling for the federal and state governments to go beyond the current $28 million funding pledge. The bloom, driven by climate change and nutrient pollution, has killed over 450 marine species and is likely to be worsened by rising marine heatwaves. A federal Senate inquiry has also been launched to evaluate the government response and whether the disaster should be formally recognized at the national level.

The Council’s seven recommended actions are:

1. Emergency interventions for species at risk of extinction or population collapse.
2. Immediate $10 million investment in research to assess the bloom’s impact and guide future responses.
3. Accelerate decarbonisation and become a global climate action leader.
4. Reduce nutrient and carbon pollution entering marine environments.
5. Restore and protect marine ecosystems such as kelp forests and seagrass beds.
6. Create a long-term monitoring program for the Great Southern Reef.
7. Establish disaster-response mechanisms for future catastrophic marine events.

Full ABC article by Cameron Slessor available here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-24/seven-point-plan-to-tackle-sa-toxic-algal-bloom/105563974