Toxic Algal Bloom Devastates SA Coast: Karenia Cristata Identified

0:00The latest headlines, weather, and stories, right here on Sydney News today. A toxic algal bloom has devastated marine life along South Australia's coastline for nearly a year. New research shows the main culprit is Karenia Cristada, a species that produces harmful toxins and has lurked in the state's waters since at least 2016. Scientists first spotted the bloom last March at Waitpinga Beach near Victor Harbor. Surfers and beachgoers fell ill from the foam, and soon dead fish and other sea creatures washed up as is spread widely. The bloom wiped out countless marine animals and raised alarms about ecosystem damage. Initially, experts pended on a related species, Karenia Miki Motoi, but deeper analysis revealed Karenia Cristada as the dominant force. Teens from the University of Technology, Sydney, South Australian Research and Development Institute, CSIRO, and others used archive seawater DNA. Samples from Kangaroo Island to trace it back years. The findings are a waiting peer review. Officials now link the sudden boom

1:04to River Murray flood nutrients, missing cold water upwelling, and a marine heat wave. Researchers say pinpointing the exact triggers will take time with more studies underway. DNA is brought to you by our sponsor link in the description. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com