South Australian Algal Bloom Crisis
A natural disaster is unfolding - and the federal government isn’t calling it what it is.
South Australia’s coastline is experiencing a crisis in slow-motion. A massive algal bloom has choked the ocean, silenced surf breaks, and left fishing boats tied to the dock. Sea creatures - from stingrays to leafy seadragons - are washing up dead. And the people who live and work by the ocean? They're getting sick, they’re confused, and they feel ignored.
For months, surfers, fishers, and scientists have raised the alarm. But our leaders have failed to act.
Right now, the federal government can’t declare this event a natural disaster - because the existing framework doesn’t recognise marine ecosystem collapse or harmful algal blooms as disasters. That obviously needs to change.
We’re calling on the Federal Government to update disaster criteria so climate-driven marine events can trigger the support communities need - just like floods, fires and storms.
We call this what it is: A climate-driven natural disaster.
Watch our short film Sea Sick to hear from locals about their horrendous experiences
We travelled to the hardest-hit areas, meeting those living on the shoreline of this crisis.
What we saw and heard was heartbreaking: kids with respiratory symptoms after surfing, businesses struggling and even collapsing, families canceling holidays, reef ecologists counting thousands of dead marine species along the shoreline, and communities being left behind.
What we’re calling for:
1. Update disaster criteria so climate-driven marine events can trigger natural disaster funding. If it’s not recognised as a natural disaster, it can’t be declared as one.
2. Declare a natural disaster right now and unlock further urgent funding for affected communities, scientists and small businesses.
3. Commit Federal support for long-term ocean health. This includes reef restoration, habitat rebuilding, and real climate adaptation strategies.
4. Set a strong 2035 climate target. Australia’s next climate target will shape our safety, economy and international standing for the next decade. We deserve a strong target that will protect us from escalating disasters.
Image courtesy Great Southern Reef Foundation
Sign the petition - Demand federal action now
This is climate change - not in the future, but here and now. In the waves we surf. The reefs we fish. The beaches we love.
We either call this what it is and act, or we let this become the new normal.