Toxic algae bloom hits Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia as surfers left sick, sea life killed

Shocking scenes have unfolded at an iconic Aussie beach, with swimmers reporting feeling sick and marine life dying after toxic foam washed ashore.

A toxic algae bloom has rocked an iconic peninsula south of Adelaide, with beachgoers experiencing respiratory problems and dead marine animals washing ashore.

The shocking scenes emerged along the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia earlier this week, with beachgoers being warned the algae has caused marine life fatalities.

Some surfers and swimmers also reported experiencing respiratory problems.

Toxic foam from an algae bloom off the South Australian coast line is washing up along the iconic Fleurieu Peninsula, leaving beachgoers ill and marine life dead. Picture: Instagram @andysmythy

Photos from the scene capture toxic foam washing ashore one of the beaches – others documenting dead marine life like fish and sea dragons.

The state’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier reported some were experiencing itchy eyes, blurred vision, coughing and breathing difficulties.

“The EPA are working with other agencies including PIRSA Fisheries and SA Health to attend the scene and take water samples,” the environmental protection agency said in a statement.

It is believed the yellow-toned sludge coloured foam is appearing on beaches from Waitinga Point to Victor Harbour and is staying around due to warmer temperatures.

“It is believed the event could be due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions,” the EPA said.

Weatherzone’s map depicts high concentrations of Chlorophyll-A along the coastline. Picture: Supplied / Weatherzone

Maps depicting the Chlorophyll-A concentrations around the South Australian coastline, obtained by Weatherzone, indicate the algae is thriving in the warmer temperatures.

“With high pressure cells forecast to slowly transit over the region in the coming weeks, warm days with little wind will promote further algal blooms,” a Weatherzone spokesman said.

“Strong winds and waves are required to stir up this layer, but no powerful cold front is expected in the coming week or two at this stage.”

The EPA said it has received multiple reports that dead fish and seahorses could be found on shore and that there was red staining on the sand and foam on the beaches

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) confirmed it is investigating the cause of the incident which is killing local fish.

“PIRSA’s role in this type of incident is to investigate the cause of the fish kill to rule out infectious and notifiable animal diseases, establish the cause and co-ordinate a response where necessary,” a spokesperson told 7 News.

A dead sea dragon washed up on the beach. Picture: Instagram @andysmythy

A dead fish has ended up on the beach following the algae outbreak. Picture: Instagram @andysmythy

“Fish kill events can be brought on by a variety of causes including environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall (or lack of) and water quality including salinity or oxygen levels, or by disease or pollutants.”

According to Weatherzone conditions are likely to favour the algae.

“With high pressure cells forecast to slowly transit over the region in the coming weeks, warm days with little wind will promote further algal blooms. Strong winds and waves are required to stir up this layer, but no powerful cold front is expected in the coming week or two at this stage.”

Originally published as Toxic algae bloom hits Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia as surfers left sick, sea life killed