Toxic Waters: The Algal Bloom Affecting Our Shores

Since mid-March 2025, a bloom of Karenia mikimotoi—a microscopic algae known for causing widespread ecological disruption—has contributed to large-scale fish and invertebrate die-offs on the South Australian coast. Triggered by a marine heatwave and prolonged calm sea conditions, the bloom has also raised public health concerns, with reports of respiratory and skin irritation. Despite expectations that winter winds and rainfall would disperse the bloom, recent reports suggest it is persisting.

Join us for a panel discussion exploring the science and broader implications of this unfolding environmental crisis, featuring:

Enya Chitty

PhD candidate, Beach and Dune Systems Lab, Flinders University

Faith Coleman

Estuarine ecologist

Ian Gibbins

Emeritus Professor of Anatomy, Flinders University

Together, the panel will share insights and observations on the oceanographic and climatic factors driving the bloom, its ecological and physiological impacts, the nature of algal toxins, and the vital role of citizen science in monitoring and responding to harmful algal events.

Presented by Flinders University Museum of Art in association with the exhibition Crosscurrents, we encourage attendees to explore the artwork prior to the event.

Date: Thursday 31 July

Time: 5:30–7pm

Venue: Flinders University Museum of Art

Image: Narungga waters on the Yorke Peninsula, 2025. Photo: Andrew Cowen