Mark Tozer, an experienced diver from South Australia, has revealed the devastation caused by a toxic algal bloom in local waters through stark before-and-after photographs. After diving at a shipwreck located 12km off Glenelg Beach, Tozer was emotionally impacted, describing the scene as “heartbreaking.” He has often explored this site but has not seen it since the algal bloom began affecting the area in March.
In a poignant Facebook post, Tozer expressed his shock at the dramatic ecological decline. He compared the submerged landscape to a graveyard, stripped of its vibrant marine life, devoid of fish and colour, and cloaked in silence. Visibility had diminished to just a few metres, and dead molluscs littered the seabed, indicative of the bloom’s destructive reach.
The algal species responsible, Karenia mikimotoi, was first spotted on the Fleurieu Peninsula and has since caused significant issues, including foamy seas and fish kills across multiple locations such as Kangaroo Island and the Yorke Peninsula. While the algae poses no direct threat to humans, it can result in skin irritations and respiratory symptoms when people come into contact with discoloured or foamy waters. As reported in March, numerous surfers experienced cold and allergy-like symptoms due to exposure.
Warnings have been raised about the algal bloom, with Tozer emphasizing that the crisis extends deep into marine ecosystems beyond the shoreline, affecting untouched regions of the ocean. The South Australian Department of Environment noted that there might be no immediate natural solution to mitigate the bloom, which can last from weeks to months.
Though recently the bloom has begun to clear due to cooler winter conditions, experts warn that the algae could re-emerge with warmer summer temperatures, as it can enter a dormant state and revive under more favourable conditions. Local fisherman Rod Ness reported a significant 70% drop in sales at his seafood shop, prompting calls for the federal government to declare the situation a national disaster.
The photographs shared by Tozer serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing ecological crisis, highlighting the necessity for greater public awareness regarding the impact of such environmental issues on marine life and coastal communities.