As the Algal Bloom spreads into Spencer Gulf, Independent Testing Tells the Story
Independent water testing in the southern Spencer Gulf this week has revealed alarmingly high levels of Karenia algae – prompting growing concern about the bloom’s next move and the potential risks for regions further west.
The testing was carried out by Yorke Peninsula local Lochie Cameron, who recorded more than 4.7 million Karenia cells per litre, in a water sample taken at Lizards Beach, at the southern end of Formby Bay.
“It was literally swarming with Karenia,” Lochie said.
A walk along the same stretch of coastline on Wednesday (January 14) revealed what Lochie described as “complete carnage” – with more than 50 dead sea dragons recorded, some carrying eggs, along with thousands of dead fish.
Further west at Pondalowie Bay, the impact has been just as confronting. The smooth rays that have long trawled the shoreline – a familiar sight for fishers cleaning their catch – have sadly washed up dead.
At Berry Bay, surfers are still catching waves, with no visible signs of the bloom. But it has reportedly made its way to Wedge Island – frighteningly close to Port Lincoln – the seafood capital of the country.
Independent Testing and Community-Led Data
Lochie Cameron is not a scientist by trade, and he doesn’t work for the government. He manages the Corny Point Caravan Park, teaches aquatics at Port Vincent, and is passionate about the environment.
He spent much of 2025 recording fish deaths and monitoring the unprecedented coastal conditions. Voluntarily working with marine experts, he learned how to carry out his own water testing. Now, he has a small but passionate group of local volunteers working with him, collecting samples and gathering important data.
Their independent testing data is made public via a Facebook page called Phytoplankton of South Australia.
He welcomed the government’s recent move to conduct weekly testing within Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park, but says transparency around results remains an issue.
“Testing takes us a lot of time,” he said. “But the results matter. “People deserve to know exactly what’s being found.
There’s a fine line between creating fear and driving people away from the coast, and making sure people are properly informed,” he said. “This isn’t about panic. It’s about facts, clarity and trust.
“The majority of southern Yorkes remains clear and nearly all of the beaches are looking spectacular, so please come and enjoy them.“
As the Algal “Blooms”, Official Information Quiet
While he commended the State Government for its financial support through the $100 million Summer Plan, Lochie said it took the Karenia bloom reaching the metropolitan coastline for meaningful action to follow. Like many South Australians, he’s concerned that despite the bloom still being active and causing ongoing damage, official public information is now quiet.
“I’m taking time away from my family to do this research and monitoring,” Lochie said. “Meanwhile, there are people being paid to clean fish off beaches each day and tick a box to say everything’s fine.”
Member for Narungga, Fraser Ellis, visited the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park this week, to witness the devastation first-hand.
In a social media post, he said “These are tough times for fishers, but I am constantly being told that there are Snapper aplenty in so many of our waters, I reiterate my call from October that the Snapper Fishery is reopened”.
To keep informed on independent testing undertaken by Lochie and other South Australians counting Karenia, you can join the group, Phytoplankton Of South Australia on Facebook.
