Mass extinction: Toxic algal bloom threatens marine ecosystem

A deadly algal bloom is currently causing a dramatic mass die-off of marine life along Australia’s south coast. Particularly affected are regions around the state of South Australia, including popular natural paradises like Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, and Fleurieu Peninsula.

Coasts Full of Carcasses: Animal Rights Activists Sound the Alarm

The fish protection organization Ozfish reports alarming conditions: Hundreds of animals, including sharks, rays, crabs, and squid, have already fallen victim to the toxic alga Karenia mikimotoi. “Our volunteers say they walked just one kilometer along the beach and counted over a hundred dead rays and other marine creatures,” a staff member of the organization describes. Dead sharks have also been documented.

A harrowing sight: The beaches are littered with carcasses, which not only has dramatic ecological consequences but also throws coastal communities into turmoil. Tourists who come for the biodiversity are now faced with eerily empty beaches full of dead animals.

An Old Acquaintance – With Devastating Effects

The alga Karenia mikimotoi has been known to scientists since the 1930s. In the past, it has been detected off the coasts of Japan, Norway, the USA, and China, among others. But wherever it appears, severe ecological and economic damage follows – especially for fisheries and tourism. Experts estimate that the damage caused by such blooms worldwide amounts to millions annually.

The alga produces toxic substances that can severely harm or kill not only fish but also other marine organisms. Australian authorities and environmental organizations are currently investigating the causes of the outbreak and trying to assess the extent of the damage.