/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/08/22/the-future-of-reindeer-at-risk An international team of researchers from the University of 黑料社区 and the University of Copenhagen, co-led by Associate Professor Damien Fordham, Environment Institute Deputy Director, sought to understand how reindeer have responded to past environmental change to better predict their chances in a warming future.聽Growing concern surrounds the future of reindeer as additional pressures mount. August 22 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/22/the-future-of-reindeer-at-risk /environment/news/list/2025/08/20/oyster-reef-restoration-your-chance-to-contribute Oyster reef restoration is looking like the answer we need to combat the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), and now you have the chance to help. Environment Institute Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee recently spoke with ABC Radio 黑料社区 to discuss this great initiative in partnership with OzFish 黑料社区 Chapter, and how volunteering to make oyster baskets will help the Port River flourish once again. August 20 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/20/oyster-reef-restoration-your-chance-to-contribute /environment/news/list/2025/08/19/steps-to-clean-up-the-algal-bloom-1 Around 30% of SA鈥檚 coastline is being impacted by a harmful algal bloom driven by heatwaves, nutrient run-off, and upwelling events. According to Environment Institute members Dr Dominic McAfee and Prof Sean Connell, the bloom is far too widespread for large-scale chemical, physical, or microbial trials. Instead, prevention and resilience are key. Oysters in affected areas are feeding on algae, mussels are cleared of toxins, and SA has committed to restoring 15 hectares of shellfish reefs. As climate change fuels more marine heatwaves and floods, HABs will return. Investing in oyster reef restoration and nature-based solutions could future-proof our coasts. August 19 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/19/steps-to-clean-up-the-algal-bloom-1 /environment/news/list/2025/08/19/restorative-bivalve-aquaculture-offers-new-hope-for-climate-and-coastal Environment Institute member Dr Alice Jones latest research explores the role of restorative bivalve aquaculture in supporting blue carbon ecosystems and reducing the climate footprint of food production. With over 51,000 bivalve farms now operating globally, there鈥檚 growing interest in 鈥渂lue foods鈥� that offer both nutrition and environmental benefits. Dr Jones鈥檚 work highlights how, when carefully designed, shellfish farming can help protect coastal habitats like seagrasses, mangroves, and tidal marshes鈥攁ll critical to oceanic carbon storage. August 19 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/19/restorative-bivalve-aquaculture-offers-new-hope-for-climate-and-coastal /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/harmful-algal-bloom-and-human-wellbeing-impact The harmful algal bloom (HAB) affecting our coastal waters in recent months is more than an environmental problem, it鈥檚 a public health, economic, and community wellbeing crisis. Its effects are rippling through coastal communities, disrupting livelihoods in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism while posing direct threats to physical health, from respiratory irritation to eye and skin discomfort. Hear what our Environment Institute members have said.聽 August 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/harmful-algal-bloom-and-human-wellbeing-impact /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/environment-institute-members-win-2025-young-tall-poppy-science-awards We鈥檙e proud to share that Environment Institute researchers聽Dr Georgina Falster聽and聽Dr Nina Wootton聽have been recognised with聽South Australia鈥檚 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards! Dr Falster studies how Australian droughts are changing by tracing shifts in the water cycle using climate data and isotopes. Dr Wootton investigates the impacts of plastic pollution on seafood species and works with industry to drive sustainable change. August 05 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/environment-institute-members-win-2025-young-tall-poppy-science-awards /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/local-action-the-key-to-the-murray-darling-basin-recovery The latest evaluation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is out, and the message is clear: fixing flows alone won鈥檛 fix the Basin. We need to restore the land itself. As co-author, Environment Institute member Professor Seth Westra highlights, we must go beyond water volumes and fix the land itself鈥攔ewetting wetlands, restoring floodplains, and supporting nature-based regeneration. August 02 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/local-action-the-key-to-the-murray-darling-basin-recovery /environment/news/list/2025/08/13/adelaides-shift-to-intense-downpours-and-rising-drought-risk New research led by Environment Institute member Assoc Prof Mark Thyer, with Prof Seth Westra and researchers from the Goyder Institute for Water Research, has revealed a major shift in our rainfall patterns. By analysing decades of weather station data, radar technology, and climate models, the team found聽Short, high-intensity downpours (10鈥�60 minutes) are becoming more intense and annual rainfall is decreasing, raising the risk of drought. These shifts have big implications for flood preparedness and stormwater management. August 01 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/13/adelaides-shift-to-intense-downpours-and-rising-drought-risk /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/feral-rabbits-evolve-in-unexpected-ways What happens when domesticated rabbits go feral? They don't just revert to their wild form, they evolve new, unpredictable traits. A new study led by Environment Institute member Associate Professor Emma Sherratt reveals that feral rabbits develop distinct anatomical changes not seen in either wild or domestic populations. This groundbreaking work deepens our understanding of how invasive species adapt to novel environments and evolve over time. July 30 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/feral-rabbits-evolve-in-unexpected-ways /environment/news/list/2025/07/22/an-underwater-bushfire-sparks-urgent-calls-urgent-calls-for-action-in-south Environment Institute Members are at the forefront of the algal bloom crisis, with the federal government announcing $14 million funding packing to help South Australia.聽We are fortunate enough to house leading expert researchers that have been on the front foot to inform the media and government about about the impacts and implications of the agal bloom. July 22 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/22/an-underwater-bushfire-sparks-urgent-calls-urgent-calls-for-action-in-south