Algal bloom: A natural, national disaster

September 2025 A First Nations elder has likened the devastation of South Australia’s toxic algal bloom to watching Uluru being destroyed, as both the federal environment minister and opposition leader visit the state. Ngarrindjeri elder Mark Koolmatrie runs Indigenous cultural tours in the Fleurieu Peninsula and told ABC News Breakfast the algal bloom was having a huge impact on his business. But what has been most distressing for Mr Koolmatrie is seeing the death of countless sea life that has a huge significance to Indigenous culture. “We have a responsibility to look after the things that belong to the south coast — now, when they are sick, so are we,” he said. “This is the devastating effect, and it’s probably taken too long for action.” Earlier on Wednesday, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)removed a dead dolphin that had washed up onto the shore at Henley Beach. In a statement, the Depart-ment for Environment and Water said a necropsy would be undertaken to investigate the cause of death, “including any potential algal bloom effects”. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt was in South Australia on Wed-nesday to announce the government will fast-track an assessment to investigate whether any local flora and fauna need to be added to the threatened species list as a result of the bloom. Mr Watt said more than 400 species of marine life had been impacted so far, from animals through to plant life. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was also in South Australia on Wednesday visiting coastline affected by the algal bloom. Ms Ley said the government’s response to the algal bloom had been “woefully inadequate”. When asked about the fact climate change could be a contributing factor to the algal bloom, Ms Ley agreed — despite the Coalition campaigning against Australia’s climate targets. On the question of whether the bloom should be classified as a disaster, South Australian Environment Minister Susan Close said she was “not interested in talking about semantics when I’m spending time with the federal government”, but said she accepted what was happening was both “natural” and a “disaster”. Premier Peter Malinauskas told ABC Radio Adelaide the state government was preparing for the bloom to last through to summer. He welcomed Mr Watt’s announcement but called for more financial support from the federal government. “We as a government have made it clear that we’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” he said. “If you do work under the assumption that it will be around in spring and summer, there will be a call on more Commonwealth resources. Source: abc.net.au

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia