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South Australia’s Algal Bloom Crisis

Along South Australia’s coastline, a slow-motion disaster has unfolded. A massive algal bloom choked once-clear waters, emptied surf breaks, and left fishing boats tied to the dock. Thousands of sea creatures, from stingrays to leafy seadragons, have washed up dead. Communities that live and work by the ocean are still feeling the fallout with sickness, confusion, and frustration as the coastline they love and depend on has turned toxic.

For months, locals, fishers, and surfers raised the alarm. Scientists backed them up with data showing that warmer waters and changing ocean chemistry, driven by the climate crisis, have triggered this collapse. Yet for too long, the response was silence.

We stepped in to make a film about the crisis and help amplify those coastal voices, pushing for action and bringing together communities and their state representatives in the thick of it. It was a moment that showed how quickly we can rally when something we care for is in trouble.


Since we launched Sea Sick the State and Federal Governments have stepped up with $102.5 million to protect coastal communities as the algal bloom continues to spread. It’s a huge step forward for surfers, ocean lovers, local fishers and scientists who’ve been living with the impacts for months. Because of your support, we’re stoked to see governments finally:


• Recognising slow-onset climate disasters like algal blooms as events that deserve sustained, long-term support.

• Acknowledging this is a crisis requiring serious investment in science, funding and adaptation.

While this is a win, the crisis is far from over. Dead fish are still washing ashore, surf comps are being cancelled, livelihoods remain at risk, and recovery will take years. This announcement is a start, and a promising sign that coastal communities can drive meaningful policy change, but it can’t be the end of the story.

We need to keep standing with South Australians as they rebuild and keep pushing for a system that recognises this for what it is: a climate-driven natural disaster.

Because part of our mission is protecting the people, livelihoods, and ecosystems that depend on a healthy ocean.

Donate to support the campaign

We acknowledge the True Locals, the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that Indigenous peoples are on the front line of climate impacts, and must play a critical role in shaping climate solutions. This website was created on Gadigal land in Australia, where sovereignty was never ceded.