‘A horror movie’: sharks and octopuses among 200 species killed by toxic algae off South Australia
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Introduction:
The news topic “‘A horror movie’: sharks and octopuses among 200 species killed by toxic algae off South Australia” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- More than 200 marine species, including deepwater sharks, leafy sea dragons and octopuses, have been killed by a toxic algal bloom. Nearly half (47%) of the dead species were ray-finned fish and a quarter (26%) were sharks and rays. The algae was first identified in mid March on the state’s Fleurieu Peninsula and had since expanded to coastlines across the south-east, the Gulf St Vincent, the Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. While not toxic to humans, the algae could cause skin irritations and respiratory symptoms, and caused mass mortalities in marine life. Several oyster farms and the commercial harvesting of pipis have been temporarily closed due to the outbreak, which has been driven by an ongoing marine heatwave, the environment department said. The bloom has killed fish at all ages – from fingerlings, or baby fish, up to full-grown breeding fish – as well as their food sources.
- Over 1400 data records captured by citizen scientists in South Australia and provided to OzFish reveal the wide breadth of species impacted by the toxic algal bloom. Data reveals that from mid-March to early May, ray-finned fish accounted for approximately 47% of the reported species. Soft-bodied cephalopods – like squid, cuttlefish, and octopus – account for 7% and decapods – like crabs, lobsters, and prawns – are at 6%. Most of the dead marine life we’re observing are benthic, seafloor species. These include crabs, pufferfishes, and leatherjackets. Many of the impacted creatures reside on reefs or hide in sand, and unfortunately, the sheer size of the algae bloom means that they can’t escape it.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
More than 200 marine species, including deepwater sharks, leafy sea dragons and octopuses, have been killed by a toxic algal bloom. Nearly half (47%) of the dead species were ray-finned fish and a quarter (26%) were sharks and rays. The algae was first identified in mid March on the state’s Fleurieu Peninsula and had since expanded to coastlines across the south-east, the Gulf St Vincent, the Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. While not toxic to humans, the algae could cause skin irritations and respiratory symptoms, and caused mass mortalities in marine life. Several oyster farms and the commercial harvesting of pipis have been temporarily closed due to the outbreak, which has been driven by an ongoing marine heatwave, the environment department said. The bloom has killed fish at all ages – from fingerlings, or baby fish, up to full-grown breeding fish – as well as their food sources. Read full article
Over 200 species dead in South Australia fish kill
Over 1400 data records captured by citizen scientists in South Australia and provided to OzFish reveal the wide breadth of species impacted by the toxic algal bloom. Data reveals that from mid-March to early May, ray-finned fish accounted for approximately 47% of the reported species. Soft-bodied cephalopods – like squid, cuttlefish, and octopus – account for 7% and decapods – like crabs, lobsters, and prawns – are at 6%. Most of the dead marine life we’re observing are benthic, seafloor species. These include crabs, pufferfishes, and leatherjackets. Many of the impacted creatures reside on reefs or hide in sand, and unfortunately, the sheer size of the algae bloom means that they can’t escape it. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/13/a-horror-movie-sharks-and-octopuses-among-200-species-killed-by-toxic-algae-off-south-australia