Algal bloom information

Published 30th July 2025

The South Australian and Australian governments are coordinating and supporting the crisis response for the algal bloom on our coastline.

Fact sheet - Algal bloom - SA Government - 30 July 2025 (PDF File, 1.1 MB)

Updates

For the most up to date information, visit the SA Government website or call the Algal Bloom Hotline on 1800 774 779.

Report dead or dying wildlife

Do not touch or remove dead or dying wildlife you find on the coast. You can report sick or dead wildlife to the Algal Bloom Hotline by calling 1800 774 779.

Seafood and crabbing

All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat. Shellfish available for sale is frequently tested to make sure it meets strict safety standards.

If you catch fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, or squid yourself, they are safe to eat if cleaned thoroughly and gutted before cooking.

But:

Bivalve molluscs (oysters, cockles, mussels, pipis, scallops) and abalone that you catch or collect yourself should not be consumed.
Never eat dead fish, cockles or other marine life found on the beach.

Swimming in or touching the water

SA Health advises to avoid contact with discoloured water or foam.

The algae does not product a toxin that is harmful to humans or could cause long-term effects, but exposure can cause:

skin irritation
eye irritation
respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Visit SA Health for up to date water quality alerts.

SA Health water quality alerts

This information is from the SA Government. For the most up to date information, visit their website.

Published 30 July 2025

Last updated 30 April 2026