Science of the Algal Bloom - Webinar Recording скачать в хорошем качестве

Science of the Algal Bloom - Webinar Recording

The 2025 algal bloom along the South Australian coastline is having a devastating impact on our unique, local marine life. As the situation continues the community are looking for answers as to why this is happening and what we can do to protect our shores. This is a recording of a panel discussion held on Wednesday 28th May 2025, with a range of local experts who will discussing the science behind the algal bloom and offering opportunities to get involved as community members in the important work of recording and monitoring the bloom as it progresses. The panel of speakers includes: Emeritus Professor Ian Gibbins - specialist in animal anatomy and physiology Associate Professor Jochen Kaempf - physical oceanographer at Flinders University Brad Martin - marine ecologist and Project Manager for OzFish South Australia Janine Baker - marine ecologist, educator and citizen science project manager Chloe Roberts - Flinders University PhD student studying sharks & rays Paul Macdonald - marine photographer, cinematographer & citizen scientist How to Help: Citizen Science In addition to notifying FishWatch, where safe to do so, waterway users coming across impacted marine life can photograph and share information to the citizen science platform iNaturalist. Independent marine ecologist Janine Baker and Brad Martin from OzFish are coordinating the iNaturalist Statewide marine mortalities database. The database automatically gathers records of dead marine animals from South Australia uploaded to iNaturalist and helps to publicly track impacted species. You can contribute by uploading a photo of each impacted species to iNaturalist, which are then identified and coded by other users. The Great Southern Reef Foundation The Great Southern Reef Foundation (GSRF) is a not-for-profit organisation that increases awareness and understanding of Southern Australia’s network of kelp forest (The Great Southern Reef), and promotes stewardship and research of this coastal environment. OzFish Unlimited OzFish Unlimited is a national, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to restoring fish habitats and healthy waterways to ensure the future resilience of aquatic habitats and recreational fishing. OzFish Unlimited partners with fishers and the broader community to monitor, protect and restore fish habitats. In South Australia they lead programs like ‘Seeds for Snapper’ seagrass program, Port River native oyster reef restoration and fish kill monitoring. You can get involved with fish habitat work by volunteering on projects, supporting as an OzFish member, making a donation, or contacting OzFish about projects you would like to see in your area. Government Information: Updates on the algal bloom are available from the Department of Primary Industries and regions (PIRSA) website. Please call the 24-hour hotline FishWatch at 1800 065 522 to report unusual marine mortalities or fish kills. This supports fisheries specimen and water sample collection efforts. Visit the SA Health water quality alerts website for health advice. SA Health recommends avoiding discoloured water, consumption of dead fish or shellfish, and staying away from the coast if you develop health symptoms like coughing or irritation. If symptoms are more severe or do not resolve, then seek medical advice from a GP and call 000 if a medical emergency. Anyone who discovers dead or sick marine mammals to contact their local National Parks and Wildlife Service office. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) also have inform on their website. Check your Local council for additional information concerning local service providers, beach closures, health alerts and updates for residents. These events can also impact people’s mental health and wellbeing, and community members are encouraged to speak with their GP or contact support services such as: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Rural and Remote Mental Health Services – via SA Health or Country SA PHN