News: Harmful Algal Bloom
Environment Institute Members Share Insights on the Harmful Algal Bloom at the Federal Senate Inquiry
Dr Dominic McAfee, Future Making Fellow and Professor Andrew Lowe, Director, Environment Institute were invited to appear at the Federal Senate Inquiry for the harmful algal bloom (HAB), alongside EI members Professors Luke Mosley and Ivan Nagelkerkern.ÌýProfessor Lowe spoke of the need to restore both marine and terrestrial ecosystems to help stop sediment and nutrient run off from the land - by restoring waterways and riverine systems - and soak up nutrients and sediments that enter coastal waters – by restoring shellfish reefs and seagrass ecosystems.ÌýDr McAfee has been working closely with communities, traditional landowners, and school students on community-based restoration projects. One of these projects is creating oyster baskets to help shellfish ecosystem restoration in the Port River in partnership with the OzFish ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Chapter.
How Hard is the Algal Bloom Hitting South Australia? Impacts on Marine Life & Humans
Our Environment Institute members have been active in the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) space.ÌýDiscover the devastating effects of HABs on marine life, human health, and ecosystems. Learn which species are safe, the scale of destruction, and the solutions scientists are testing for recovery.
The Harmful Algal Bloom – moving to finding a solution
As advised in a recent submissionÌýto the into algal blooms in South Australia, researchers from the Environment Institute have recommended immediate actions. In the last month we produced and published the Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Capability statement to highlight this expertise, and help engagement with partners seeking to find solutions to the harmful algal bloom challenge.Ìý
[Read more about The Harmful Algal Bloom – moving to finding a solution ]
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 ºÚÁÏÉçÇø to discuss this great initiative in partnership with and how volunteering to make oyster baskets will help the Port River flourish once again.
[Read more about Oyster Reef Restoration: Your Chance to Contribute ]
Steps to Clean Up the Algal Bloom
Around 30% of SA’s 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.
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