Algal bloom alarm: Environment Minister Murray Watt unveils long-range marine heatwave forecast capability

As thousands of sea creatures die in an unprecedented algal bloom, authorities have unveiled a new weapon to predict future marine disasters.

Long-range warning of marine heatwaves fuelling algal blooms is expected to be available for the first time this summer as authorities scramble to deal with carnage across the state’s marine life.

Forecasts for up to three months ahead would be provided on the Bureau of Meteorology website, in time for the 2025/26 summer.

A marine heatwave affecting southern Australia since last September is considered a contributing factor to the algal bloom that has killed tens of thousands of sea creatures and cruelled the fishing industry.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt and Boothby MP Louise Miller-Frost at Glenelg North, inspecting dead marine life. Picture: Tim Joy

Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt, who has been criticised for taking too long to respond to the bloom, said the aim was to “step beyond monitoring” and “forecast potential issues before they eventuate”.

“We’re seeing the effects of recent marine heatwave conditions with the South Australian algal bloom, and we know that, unfortunately, marine heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity because of climate change,” Mr Watt said.

The long-range outlook has been developed and proven in a Bureau/CSIRO project, which uses a physics-based modelling system, including ocean, atmosphere and land observations, to develop forecasts.

After months of pressure over government tardiness, Mr Watt on July 22 unveiled a “one-off $14m package” to deal with the algal bloom, which he repeatedly described as an unprecedented event, rather than a natural disaster.

Premier Peter Malinauskas talks with Stansbury oyster farmer Paul Dee during the State Cabinet visit on Monday. Picture Ben Clark

Premier Peter Malinauskas matched the federal funding, then on Monday rolled out a support package, including up to $100,000 for commercial fishers hit hard by the algal bloom.

But Opposition deputy upper house leader Heidi Girolamo on Wednesday said the government response had been piecemeal, “rather than looking at things holistically”.

“It seems like this government has continued just to cobble things together, time after time, rather than having a look at what the impact is, not just on the fishing industry but also on the hospitality sector and tourism as well,” she said.

Originally published as Algal bloom alarm: Environment Minister Murray Watt unveils long-range marine heatwave forecast capability