A deadly algal bloom is currently causing a dramatic mass die-off of marine life along Australia 's southern coast. Particularly affected are regions around the state of South Australia – including popular natural paradises like Kangaroo Island, the Yorke Peninsula, and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Coasts full of carcasses: animal rights activists sound the alarm
The fish protection organization Ozfish reports alarming conditions: hundreds of animals such as sharks, rays, crabs, and octopuses have already fallen victim to the toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi. “Our volunteers say they walked only one kilometer along the beach and counted over a hundred dead rays and other marine animals,” said a staff member of the organization. Dead sharks have also been documented. Sharks, rays, crabs, and octopuses have already fallen victim to the toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi . “Our volunteers say they walked only one kilometer along the beach and counted over a hundred dead rays and other marine animals,” said a staff member of the organization. Dead sharks have also been documented.
A shocking sight: the beaches are littered with carcasses, which not only has dramatic ecological consequences but also unsettles coastal communities. Tourists who come for the biodiversity are now faced with eerily empty beaches full of dead animals.
Old acquaintances – with devastating effect
The algae species Karenia mikimotoi has been known to scientists since the 1930s. It has been detected in the past off the coasts of Japan, Norway, the USA, and China. Wherever it appears, severe ecological and economic damages regularly follow – especially for fisheries and tourism. Experts estimate that the damage caused by such blooms amounts to millions worldwide every year.
The algae produce toxic substances that can severely harm or kill not only fish but also other marine organisms. Currently, Australian authorities and environmental organizations are investigating the causes of the outbreak and trying to assess the extent of the damage.
