The algae is the Karenia species. While some blooms are harmless, the current one in South Australia is toxic to fish and other marine animals.
This bloom has been caused by a combination of three events:
- Floodwaters from the River Murray in 2022-23 brought extra nutrients into the sea.
- A cold-water upwelling in summer 2023-24 lifted more nutrients to the surface.
- A marine heatwave since September 2024 has lifted water about 2.5C warmer than normal.
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