What is driving the harmful algal bloom along South Australia’s coast?
SEASON 02 | EPISODE 36
Listen below:
Since March 2025, a toxic bloom of Karenia mikimotoi has spread along over 150 km of South Australia’s coastline, killing hundreds of species and upending local fisheries, tourism, and marine ecosystems.
In this episode, ecologist Faith Coleman helps us understand how this bloom came to be: its causes, its consequences, and what coastal communities and science are doing about it.
​
We explore the role of marine heatwaves, nutrient run-off, and climate patterns and discuss whether this is a one-time event or a spoiler of what is to come.
​
Do you want to learn more about this algal bloom?
-
Environment SA: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/news-hub/news/articles/2025/07/sa-harmful-algal-bloom-update
-
The Guardian: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/news-hub/news/articles/2025/07/sa-harmful-algal-bloom-update
-
LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cold-enough-yet-faith-coleman-hsezc
-
Croakey Health Media: https://www.croakey.org/health-experts-sound-alarm-on-algal-bloom-crisis-calling-for-climate-action-and-comprehensive-responses/
-
ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/sa-algal-bloom/105583560
This episode was recorded in Kaurna Country and Ngarkat Country.

Guest: Faith Coleman
​​
Faith is a passionate ecologist who has spent nearly three decades working in some of the saltiest, muddiest, and most complex coastal habitats in Australia and beyond. With deep experience managing salt lakes, coastal lagoons, and estuaries, Faith works at the intersection of science, community, and industry to protect delicate ecosystems and prevent hazardous blooms. She’s a co-founder of the Coorong Environmental Trust, a board member of the International Society for Salt Lake Research, and a strong believer in the power of collaboration to make the impossible happen. She is passionate about integrated approaches to managing estuaries, adaptive management, equality, saline ecology, climate change adaptation and sustainable landscapes.
.png)


