News: Marine
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 ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É Chapter.
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.
![RSS News Feed](/global/images/rss.gif" "RSS News Feed"){kind=small}
Newsletter & social media
Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out aboutÌýnew initiatives andÌýshare with your friends what's happening.
ÌýÌýÌý