A large amount of yellow foam and marine life corpses have recently appeared on beaches in South Australia, triggering a joint investigation by multiple departments. It is reported that more than 100 surfers have been infected as a result, experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.
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03-19, 2025Stretches of yellow foam spanning several meters, along with dozens of dead fish and seahorses, have washed ashore on Waitpinga and Parsons beaches within the Newland Head Conservation Park in Victor Harbor. Last weekend, surfers and beach visitors commonly experienced cold-like and allergic symptoms, including itchy eyes, blurred vision, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Anthony Rowland stated that he and more than 100 surfers were infected on Saturday while in the water or in the parking lot. "We all experienced sore throats, dry coughs, and eye irritation, with some even reporting blurred vision. These symptoms lasted for about 24 hours," he wrote on social media. "Over the subsequent hours/days, there was clear evidence that something strange was present in the water."
Rowland also mentioned: "There was a large amount of yellow foam and a dark green tide line on the beach, and then when collecting water samples on Sunday, I noticed many different types of fish dying on the beach, including some leafy seadragons." The Department for Environment and Water has temporarily closed Waitpinga and Parsons beaches, and the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and SA Health are investigating the matter.
The Environment Protection Authority has confirmed receiving related reports, including reports of red stains appearing on the beach, and stated that staff will go to the site to collect water samples. Initial assessments suggest that the incident may be related to microalgae blooms, a harmful and toxic algal bloom phenomenon caused by changes in temperature, light, or rainfall. An EPA spokesperson stated: "It is believed that the incident may have been caused by a microalgae bloom driven by high temperatures and stagnant water, as well as a persistent marine heatwave, with water temperatures currently 2.5 degrees higher than usual, and small waves and little wind exacerbating the situation."
SA Health's Chief Water Quality Advisor, David Cunliffe, stated that exposure to algae can cause general allergic reactions, including respiratory and eye irritation or skin rashes in some people, and if ingested, may cause stomach upset or flu-like symptoms. "These symptoms will disappear when contact is stopped or washed off with clean water," he said. "People should avoid contact with discolored fresh or sea water. If they do enter these waters, they should be careful to wash off with clean water afterward."
PIRSA will investigate the cause of the fish and seahorse deaths to rule out infectious and reportable animal diseases and coordinate response measures. A PIRSA spokesperson stated: "Fish deaths can be caused by a number of factors, including environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall (or lack thereof) and water quality, including salinity or oxygen levels, or by disease or contaminants."
