Opposition accuse govt of algal bloom ‘cover-up’, takes swipe at former Minister Susan Close

After months of mass marine deaths and sickness scientists have identified the mysterious algae behind SA’s coastal crisis – with the Liberals accusing the government of a “cover-up”.

Karenia cristata has been identified as the algal species wreaking havoc across South Australia’s coastline. Picture: Tim Joy

After six months of investigation, scientists have identified a new and highly toxic algae species as the culprit behind South Australia’s devastating algal bloom.

Researchers have confirmed the bloom is dominated by Karenia cristata — a little-known microalgae never before detected in Australian waters.

Initially thought to be Karenia mikimotoi, experts now say the species causing mass fish kills, dolphin deaths, and serious health symptoms in beachgoers produces powerful neurotoxins called brevetoxins.

“It’s a major change in what we thought was the enemy,” Professor of Marine Science Gustaaf Hallegraeff told 7NEWS.

“It’s much more serious — it impacts the nervous system.

“We may have to adjust some of our human health responses.”

Spencer Gulf Algae bloom effected marine life lay dying on Henley Beach. Picture: Emma Brasier

The discovery came after a team of more than 20 scientists from the University of Technology Sydney, SARDI, and other state agencies spent months testing water samples collected since March from Victor Harbor through to Adelaide’s metro coast.

SARDI executive director Mike Steer said the breakthrough explained months of confusion about toxic readings in local seafood.

“At the beginning it was considered Karenia mikimotoi was the predominant species, but we knew it didn’t produce brevetoxins — and yet we were finding those toxins in shellfish,” he said.

“This research has been able to genetically identify that Karenia cristata is the most dominant species and the likely culprit producing the very toxins we’ve been detecting in our shellfish for months.”

Despite the alarming discovery, health authorities say current beach safety and seafood advice remains unchanged.

“It doesn’t change the health advice at all, it just now gives us an easier name for us to identify,” Mr Steer said.

Environment Minister Lucy Hood said there were encouraging signs the bloom was easing, with test results showing “zero Karenia detected in 14 of our 21 metropolitan onshore sites”.

“Grange Jetty has gone from 1700 down to zero; Glenelg remains at zero; Brighton Jetty has gone from 280,000 down to 300,” she said.

“We remain cautiously optimistic.”

Scientists say the discovery not only changes the understanding of what’s been wreaking havoc along SA’s coast, but could also improve early warning systems for future blooms.

Dead marine life at Seacliff Beach as a result of the Algae Bloom. Picture: Tim Joy

The ongoing algal bloom has been one of the most severe environmental events in the state’s recent history.

Tens of thousands of fish, multiple rays, sharks, and seabirds have been killed — and even kangaroos and surfers have been sick after exposure to toxic sea foam that washed ashore earlier this year.

There’s also a glimmer of hope — Karenia cristata prefers cooler conditions, meaning a hot summer could help finally clear SA’s troubled waters.

Meanwhile, South Australian families can now enter to win $50 seafood cashbacks in the lead-up to Christmas, as the state’s algal bloom support package widens again under the “Coast is Calling” initiative.

“We have 60,000 cashbacks on offer and we’ve had more than 70,000 people registered so far — they will be drawn on Monday,” Minister Hood said.

The Opposition accused the state government on Thursday of a cover up, raising questions as to when they were first made aware of the highly toxic Karenia cristata species that has been identified as a main culprit behind the bloom.

It was revealed on Wednesday that the algal bloom, which has persisted off South Australia’s coastline since March, is being dominated by Karenia cristata, a little-known brevetoxin-producing microalgae never before detected in Australian waters.

Dead fish at Moana Beach as a result of the Algae Bloom. Picture: Tim Joy

On Thursday, Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the credibility of the government had sunk to a “dramatic low”, accusing the government of gaslighting SA, questioning whether the health advice needed to be changed.

“The people of South Australia deserve the truth when it comes to this harmful algal crisis,” he said.

Shadow Primary Industries Minister Nicola Centofanti accused the government of prioritising “spin” over people, and said politics couldn’t get in the way of people’s health.

Mr Tarzia also questioned whether former Environment Minister Susan Close, who left the cabinet in September, was aware of the Karenia cristata.

“Did she know something that was going on? Is that why she left? We’ve got so many questions that remain unanswered.”

Dr Close was adamant on her departure from the cabinet that the algal bloom had played no role in her decision to retire.

A government spokesperson said the “shambolic Liberals” were “becoming more conspiratorial by the week”.

Environment Minister Lucy Hood fired back at the accusations, accusing the Opposition of spreading “misinformation”, and that the government had been consistently saying there were algae species producing brevetoxins during the lifespan of the bloom.

“That is why we’ve been consistent in our health advice in regards to the fact that it can cause an irritant,” Ms Hood said.

“Nothing’s changed apart from the fact that we do have a name for the Karenia species that produces that brevetoxin.”

Originally published as Opposition accuse govt of algal bloom ‘cover-up’, takes swipe at former Minister Susan Close