SA algal bloom update
Last Updated Thursday 11th September 2025
What is the harmful algal bloom?
The current bloom in South Australia is caused by the Karenia species of algae. This species is harmful to fish and some marine animals.
The bloom was first detected on the Fleurieu Peninsula and has since spread across about a quarter of South Australia’s coastline.
Three major environmental events have led to this bloom:
Floodwaters from the River Murray in 2022-23 bringing extra nutrients into the sea.
Summer cold‑water upwelling in 2023‑24 lifting nutrients up to the surface.
A marine heatwave since September 2024 that has raised water temperatures about 2.5°C above average.
What to look for: The algae are microscopic but in large numbers they can make water look discoloured or foamy.
(reference: Algal Bloom Update, SA government)
Image: Lady Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula, Julian Cebo, Shared with permission from SATC.
Is the algal bloom impacting Enliven trips?
No. At this stage, neither the Coorong (the location of our women’s kayaking expedition) nor Berry Bay (the location of our women’s surf camp) have been negatively impacted algal blooms. We are monitoring and following communication and advice from SA Health, environmental authorities and the tourism commission in case this changes. We are very fortunate that both of the businesses we work with in these areas, Canoe the Coorong and Neptunes Surf Coaching, have been able to continue operation and have not been negatively impacted.
How will Enliven respond if the situation changes?
If a bloom is reported to be in levels that could be harmful to humans (with foam and discoloured water present) at one of our tour locations, we will take immediate steps to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and the environment. This may include:
Shifting activities to unaffected areas
Offering alternative nature-based experiences
Transferring bookings to a later date
We will communicate directly with all affected participants if any changes occur.
Where can I learn more?
We encourage you to stay informed through these reliable sources:
We acknowledge that this algal bloom event has had significant impacts on both ecosystems and local communities. It has served as a harsh reminder of the growing consequences of climate change. At Enliven, we remain committed to connecting people with nature, and to fostering awareness, advocacy, and action in support of a healthier planet.
