Harmful Algal Bloom Alert Along South Australian Coastline

A naturally occurring harmful algal bloom is currently affecting parts of South Australia’s coastline, prompting health and safety warnings for beachgoers and seafood consumers.

🚨 What to Do If You’re Affected:

If you feel skin irritation or breathing discomfort outdoors, go indoors immediately, close windows, and rinse exposed skin.

For persistent or severe symptoms, see a GP or call 000 in emergencies.

🚫 Can You Swim or Walk on the Beach?

Avoid swimming or surfing in discoloured water, visible foam, or areas with dead or sick marine life.

Do not touch or eat dead fish, shellfish, or marine animals on the beach.

Live-caught fish are still considered safe to eat.

Follow all beach signage and directions from NPWS rangers.

🐟 Seafood Safety Update:

Do not eat any dead or dying marine life found along the coast.

Fish caught alive are safe to consume.

Report fish deaths to FISHWATCH: 1800 065 522.

Recent closures include:

Pipi harvesting was shut down from 16 April between the Murray Mouth and 10km south.

Oyster harvesting was closed on 19 May at American River, Port Vincent, and Stansbury.

Testing continues to ensure safety in open harvest zones.

🧪 What’s Being Done:

Government agencies (DEW, EPA, PIRSA, SA Health) are actively monitoring the bloom.

Warning signs are up at affected beaches, which remain open for now.

The bloom cannot be naturally cleared or diluted.

🏖️ Other Clarifications:

Quarry sand used at beaches like West Beach and Henley Beach is not linked to the bloom.

Desalination brine discharge is also not a factor and is safely regulated.

📞 Who to Contact:

Dead fish? FISHWATCH: 1800 065 522

Marine wildlife? National Parks and Wildlife Service

Health advice? SA Health: 13 11 26

Stay updated via SA Health and PIRSA websites.