The algal bloom affected parts of the South Australian coastline from March 2025 and was caused by the Karenia species, which is harmful to fish and some marine animals.
Ongoing water testing results show the vast majority of South Australia’s coastline continues to record zero or low levels of the Karenia species.
We continue to work with government agencies to help protect the environment and support our communities and businesses.
Visit the State Government's dedicated website for the latest water testing information, news and resources.
Like our community, we are devastated about the loss of marine life and the impact of the algal bloom affecting our coast. We will continue to advocate for the importance of our beaches and its health.
Our Beach and City Clean teams continue to monitor and clean up our coastline. The algal bloom has affected about 400 species of fish, invertebrates and associated marine and coastal biodiversity. On average we are removing 200kgs of dead marine life from our coast each week.
SA Health's advice remains to avoid swimming or surfing in discoloured water, foam or where marine life is dead or in poor health. Some algal species can release biotoxins into the air through wave action that may trigger symptoms in people with asthma. Dog owners should keep their pets under effective control to prevent them eating dead or dying fish, which may cause illness. Do not let your dog swim in discoloured water and foam, or where marine life is dead or in poor health.
Up to date advice is found at www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au.
You can also call the free State Government algal bloom hotline on 1800 774 779 seven days a week from 9am to 5pm including on public holidays.
If you have questions about the algal bloom, the following government agencies are overseeing the response:
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)
SA Health
We are supporting these agencies and their efforts.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲
- Fish deaths – Call FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522
- Marine mammals, birds, turtles
Other resources
May 2026 - Algal Bloom Testing Continues
Water testing shows that the vast majority of South Australia’s coastline continues to record zero or low levels of the Karenia algae species. Water testing will now occur monthly.
As such our beach management team are no longer removing large amounts of dead marine life and will resume normal beach management arrangements.
In response to a significant decline in demand, the Algal Bloom Community Hotline (1800 774 779) will transition from a staffed service to an automated model, connecting callers to existing services to report fish kills, dead or injured wildlife, or access general health or mental health support services.
23 July 2025 - Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet Algal Bloom Support Package
We welcome the state and federal government's $28 million algal bloom support package to help our coast and community.
We will continue to advocate for our beaches and to find ways to protect our coast now and into the future.
The package covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean up.
2 August 2025 - We're Working to Keep our Beaches Safe
We've worked with the State Government to instal more than 100 signs along our coastline to inform beach-goers of the latest health advice.
Our Beach and City Clean teams continue to monitor and clean up our coastline daily to remove deceased marine life.
We've shared Fact Sheets to employees at libraries and community centres to support conversations with our community.
11 August 2025 - Henley Beach Community Forum held on 20 August 2025
A South Australian Algal Bloom Community Forum was held at Henley High School on Wednesday 20 August.
We supported the promotion of this Forum via our digital channels with the event booked out to venue capacity.
This forum was part of a series of statewide community forums designed to share insights directly from experts, leaders and locals about South Australia's response to the algal bloom affecting our coastline.
Each forum features expert presentations on algal bloom science, public health advice and safety, and include an expert panel Q&A.
Speakers include leaders such as Premier Peter Malinauskas, Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier, and SARDI’s Professor Mike Steer.
Forums are free and open to the public.
Click the link below to find more information on other upcoming South Australian Algal Bloom Community Forums.
20 August 2025 - New Algal Bloom Funding Announced for Councils
A new round of funding to help South Australian councils tackle the ongoing impacts of the harmful algal bloom has been announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas.
The $4 million of direct funding to local government will provide grants to assist local communities dealing with challenges related to the algal bloom.
The Local Government Association of South Australia is seeking details on how councils can access the funding.
This announcement is in addition to the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, which includes the previously announced $1 million for councils for beach clean-up funding.
15 September 2025 - West Lakes Community Forum held on 1 October 2025
A South Australian Algal Bloom Community Forum was held at West Lakes on 1 October 2025 at West Lakes Shore School.
This forum was part of a series of statewide community forums designed to share insights directly from experts, leaders and locals about South Australia's response to the algal bloom affecting our coastline.
Each forum features expert presentations on algal bloom science, public health advice and safety, and include an expert panel Q&A.
Speakers include leaders such as Premier Peter Malinauskas, Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier, and SARDI’s Professor Mike Steer.
Forums are free and open to the public.
Click the link below to find more information on other upcoming South Australian Algal Bloom Community Forums.
3 October 2025 - State Government Algal Bloom Hotline Launched
A new State Government algal bloom hotline has launched to provide further access to accurate, timely and consistent information about the algal bloom affecting parts of South Australia.
The 1800 774 779 hotline will make it easier for people to connect with existing algal bloom support services through a single contact point.
Callers to the hotline will be able to make selections to:
- Seek general information about the algal bloom.
- Ask questions about industry support, including how to apply for business grants.
- Get the latest health advice, including access to mental health services.
- Report fish kills or dead sharks.
- Report sick or dead wildlife, such as marine mammals.
Hotline operators will also be available to answer frequently asked questions about the algal bloom, including that it is safe to visit the beach and that all commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.
The hotline will operate seven days a week, including on public holidays, from 9am to 5pm.
Calls related to mental health support, as well as at risk or dead fish or wildlife, will be answered 24/7.
Language translations will be available for those who require the service.
14 October 2025 - Algal Bloom 'Summer Plan' Announced
A $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan has been announced by the State and Federal governments. The funding is in addition to the $28 million package announced in July.
The Plan has three key objectives:
- Ensuring South Australians can enjoy their summer
- Backing coastal businesses and communities
- Advancing research and protecting our environment
As part of the plan, South Australians can secure up to $50 cashback off their meal in a new program designed to support coastal hospitality businesses with a total of 300,000 dining cashback opportunities. This initiative complements the existing 'Coast is Calling' campaign and Travel Vouchers to support and promote coastal communities and businesses.
A new Beachsafe App in partnership with Surf Life Saving South Australia allows beachgoers access to up-to-date information for popular beaches including whether there is any abnormal foam, abnormally coloured water and when the beach was cleaned, along with a fresh picture of the beach. The app will be updated four times per day during summer at 23 beaches across the metropolitan and southern coast.
The safest place to swim is always between the red and yellow flags. The State and Federal governments have partnered with Surf Life Saving South Australia to provide daily 'Between the Flags' beach patrols on eight of the state’s busiest beaches, including Henley Beach.
Follow the link below for more on the Algal Bloom Summer Plan.