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News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Unprecedented' algae bloom disaster making SA beaches toxic here to stay, experts claim
An 'unprecedented' natural disaster that has killed thousands of marine creatures, sparked orders to stay out of the water, and gutted parts of the local tourism sector has scientists alarmed, with no sign of an end in sight. The Algae bloom parked up just off the coast of South Australia has persistently held its position inside the St Vincent Gulf since it was first officially reported in March, after visitors of the Waitpinga Beach on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula began reporting illness. The toxic bloom has killed hundreds of sea creatures, caused illness in humans and sparked orders for swimmers to stay out of affected water. Estimates vary on how many creatures have been killed by the bloom, but it is understood there have been recorded deaths among more than 200 different species of sea life. Even more alarmingly, there doesn't seem to be any respite in sight. Dr Nina Wootton, a Marine Scientist from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide, said tracking the outbreak of the Algae bloom was difficult, but it could have something to do with the Murray River flooding in 2022/23. 'Obviously there's a lot of run-off that goes into the Murray, and then this has potentially pushed some of these algae species out into the marine environment, and it's sort of just been sitting there dormant. And then when we see perfect conditions arise, it can then bloom,' she told NewsWire. 'Somehow this species has gotten there, and then we have a range of different environmental factors that have caused this perfect storm of events,' she said. 'When things are hot and still, (the algae) grow, and this species has just boomed because there's been nothing there to break it up naturally.' Although millions of dollars have been committed to clean up and research, Dr Wootton said the cure was ultimately in the hands of mother nature. 'The thing that's so hard is there's not really a solution to get rid of this bloom,' Dr Wootton said. 'The main way we're going to be able to do it is hopefully cross our fingers and toes that we have good weather conditions and we have some strong winter storms over the next couple of months that will break it up and eventually blow it off the coast. That's all we can really hope for now … to get rid of it naturally at least,' she said. 'It could be up to 18 months. Some scientists are predicting that we're going to continue to see deaths of animals for up to 18 months if we don't have these winter storms breaking it up.' University of Adelaide Microbial Ecologist Dr Christopher Keneally said even though 'you can't really see them,' algae blooms can have serious impacts on wildlife, and can even affect humans. 'Algae blooms have a massive impact on fish … they concentrate toxins – especially into shellfish – and cause a lot of damage,' he said. 'It's not as much of a problem for mammals like dolphins and human beings … but people in southern Australia have been noticing that there's a bit of eye irritation and throat and lung irritation that happens when they go out into the water when there's an algae bloom happening.' Dr Keneally stressed while we don't hear about it often, events like this are 'similar to a bushfire or other environmental catastrophes'. 'It can be quite scary when something like this happens, especially when you don't know what to expect … getting people used to the idea of it potentially happening in their own coastal waters is important when it comes to awareness.' 'The rapid mobilisation of Australia's research is going to be really important to forecasting these things and looking at mitigation in the future … we need to take action, or otherwise these things are going to become the new normal.' Shadow Water, Fisheries and Forestry and Emergency Management Minister Ross Cadell spoke to ABC Radio earlier this week about the emotional and economic impacts of algal blooms on local communities. 'You walk along the Ardrossan wharf and see garfish and King George whiting on the ground dying,' he said. 'You talk to the businesses and the Port Vincent gift shop is down (in sales) 15 per cent. 'The Stansbury caravan park, in the 48 hours before I got there, (had) 10-12 cancellations of November holidays because people are fearful of going in the water.' SA Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the Commonwealth government had provided a $14 million care package to South Australia which 'covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean-up'. 'I want to thank the Commonwealth for their contribution … towards this effort,' he said 'We stand ready to deliver additional support if and when it is needed.'
CNA
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa opens Jul 24
Scroll up for the next video X Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa opens Jul 24
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside ‘shark bite capital' where bloodthirsty beasts savage swimmers in shallows… but tourists face even bigger threat
WHEN people seek thrills in Florida, they typically head straight to Orlando's world-famous theme parks for an unforgettable adrenaline rush. However, just an hour down the coast, a different kind of excitement awaits in the Atlantic—one that doesn't require rollercoasters or long queues. 13 At first glance, the quaint seaside town of New Smyrna Beach appears to be the picture-perfect destination for sun, sand, and soaking up the glorious weather. Nestled on Florida's Atlantic coast, its golden beaches, diverse selection of restaurants, and vibrant spots to enjoy something cold and refreshing make for an idyllic summer holiday. The beach stretches for miles, vast enough for everyone to find their own space without the hassle of jostling for position. You can even drive along the sand to locate your ideal patch. Beneath the surface of this American dream, however, lies a sharper reality. Regularly dubbed America's 'Shark Bite Capital,' New Smyrna Beach has an unusually high number of shark encounters. Since the late 19th century, the area has recorded more than 300 bites—more than anywhere else in the United States. The reasons? It's not simply a matter of bad luck. While the rip currents, particularly near Ponce Inlet just north of New Smyrna, are a known hazard, the region's topography attracts a multitude of shark species. The inlet's man-made channel—approximately 40 feet deep—creates powerful currents that not only pose risks to swimmers but also draw schools of baitfish and other marine species. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters These dense concentrations of prey attract sharks, which in turn lure anglers and surfers, who lap up the consistent offering of surfable waves. This creates a perfect storm for opportunistic blacktips, hammerheads, and spinners, who can gravitate towards the people in the water, looking for something to nibble on. In 2023 alone, eight confirmed shark bites occurred here, accounting for half of all incidents reported in Florida that year. In July 2024, four bites were recorded in the span of a single week. By comparison, Australia reported 15 shark attacks in 2023—four of them fatal—largely due to the presence of larger, more aggressive species like the great white. North American waters are typically home to smaller sharks, which are responsible for most bites and rarely pose a life-threatening risk. Seasonality also plays a role, as warmer summer waters attract fearsome beasts closer to shore. 13 13 Peak activity months run from April to October. Just days before The Sun visited New Smyrna Beach to speak to locals and surfers about the risks, a Floridian was hospitalised after being bitten. Matthew Bender had to go under the knife after his arm was left savaged - saying he felt the shark "clamp down like a bear trap out of nowhere". The threat - whether exaggerated by statistics or not - is real, and ever-present. On the main, picturesque stretch of white sandy beaches, families were happily enjoying the waves. Tom, a local in his 80s, said: 'I've lived here for 30 years. I've never seen anyone attacked by a shark on this part of the beach.' The only problem beachgoer Karen encountered was her little granddaughter growing tired and wanting to go home. 'Of course I've heard about this place being called the shark bite capital,' Karen explained. 'The stats are there, but I had no issue going into the water. I just stand near other people to make sure they get bitten first,' she added with a laugh. However, the situation is vastly different a few miles down the beach, where the inlet's currents are at their strongest. Earlier this year, The Sun spoke to Volusia County Beach Safety Captain Stephen Canfield, who admitted he was more worried about people drowning than being eaten alive. 13 13 But to get a clearer picture, we visited local business owner and surf club leader, Mike DeNato. Mike has surfed the lively waves of New Smyrna for decades and is all too aware of the risks. He explained that most incidents occur when people accidentally fall on a shark or step on one. As we spoke, a customer in Mike's pet shop, Cap'n Lu's, overheard the conversation and immediately dismissed the concerns, accusing us of exaggerating the danger. 'People get very emotional when you talk about sharks here,' Mike confirmed. 'Everyone has their own perspective. Some make light of it, saying, 'It's only a bite.' 'But it's not just a bite—it's traumatic. Seeing a shark next to you is terrifying.' Mike knows this firsthand. Recently, he encountered a massive 450-pound great white shark just metres away from him and a friend. While such sightings are rare, they're no less frightening. Thanks to advancements in tracking technology and research collaborations with groups like the ones at Florida Atlantic University, scientists are gaining valuable insights into shark behaviour and movement. This research is helping to improve safety measures for both locals and visitors. The shark Mike saw had been tagged by marine biologists and named 'Danny'. Researchers at FAU monitor these apex predators to observe their movements. Mike shared another story involving friends who mistakenly thought they had caught a broken fishing pole, only to realise it was attached to a shark. The creature began circling agitated surfers, but he managed to guide the group back to shore safely. 13 Despite these harrowing encounters, Mike remains undeterred from surfing. He recalled witnessing a woman in her 70s suffer a severe foot injury from a shark bite. Although she took some time away from the water, she eventually returned to surfing. In his role at the local Smyrna Surfari Club, the business owner and local surf veteran frequently advises young surfers - stressing the importance of awareness and reminding them that most bites occur in shallow water. 'I wouldn't swim in there,' he admitted. 'No matter how shallow it is.' At the locally renowned Red Dog Surf Shop, manager Caleb Johnston introduced us to SharkBanz—special bands designed to deter sharks. The device uses powerful magnets to disrupt a shark's electroreceptors, startling them and causing them to swim away. Caleb, an experienced surfer, has had his own close calls. In the early 2000s, he stepped on a shark's head while surfing. 'I felt the sharp edge of its teeth,' he recalled. 'It was like a burning needle going into my foot. I was in shock.' Though his injury required hospital treatment, Caleb considered himself lucky. Others haven't been so fortunate. Some of Caleb's friends have given up surfing altogether, still grappling with the physical and emotional scars of their painful,nightmare encounters. 'The toughest part is you never know if it'll happen again,' he admitted. Still, surfers continue to chase the perfect wave. With New Smyrna offering 365 days of action, the fun never stops. As The Sun visited a local surfing hotspot, two teenagers, Trey King and Jeremy Zahnle, were enjoying the waves. 'I think it'd be cool if I got a shark bite, as long as it's not life-altering,' Trey joked. 'The girls would love it,' Jeremy added. Surfers clearly won't be deterred. Events like the upcoming Pro-Am surf competition, organised in memory of legendary boarder Mike Martin, and the scholarships awarded by the Smyrna Surfari Club continue to inspire the community. 'The surf here is so good,' said Jeremy. 'It would suck if a shark bit me, but we know the risks.' 'If you let fear stop you from enjoying life, you'll be afraid of everything,' concluded Caleb. 'It's just nature. There are dolphins, turtles, sharks, and crabs. You have to take your chances and accept the risks.'
Toronto Star
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
My fiction left Alice Munro shaking. Her daughter's reality did the same to me
Linda Svendsen around age 8 with her cocker spaniel; her friend is with the sheepdog. Courtesy Linda Svendsen flag wire: false flag sponsored: false article_type: Opinion : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false : Linda's Svendsen's book ' Marine Life' will be republished by Open Road Integrated Media in 2026. She has recently completed her next novel ' The Visiting Writer. ' Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
CTV News
15-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Shark washes up along Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore
A shark was discovered along Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. The Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) received a call about the animal in the Port Dufferin area Saturday evening. It said the animal was reported dead and appears to have been there for a few days. MARS said it was a mako shark. 'We don't often get reports of dead or distressed makos anywhere in the Maritimes, so this is not a common occurrence,' said MARS Executive Director Tonya Wimmer in an email to CTV News. 'Makos aren't often reported in nearshore waters, though there have been some sightings over the years.' According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), a shortfin mako shark is a 'sleek spindle shaped shark with a long conical snout' that has 'short pectoral fins and a crescent shaped caudal fin.' DFO said makos typically live in tropical and temperate offshore waters. 'In the western Atlantic it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank, along the continental shelf of Nova Scotia and even into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In Canadian waters these sharks are not abundant as they prefer warm waters, but neither are they rare,' reads the DFO website. DFO noted in some years, warm water conditions can bring them closer to shore. 'In 2002 for example, several makos were caught during blue shark fishing derbies and as part of recreational shark fishing trips about [16 kilometres] outside of Halifax Harbour. However, no makos have been observed within [1.6 kilometres] of shore.' At this time, it is not known what caused this shark to wash ashore in Nova Scotia. MARS said it has documented and sampled the animal, and it will be disposed of locally. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
