An unexplained foam recently discovered on South Australian beaches has led to the closure of Waitpinga and Parsons Beaches. This discovery raises serious concerns about its effects on marine life and public health. Local surfer Anthony Rowland was one of the first to discover the dangerous foam. It’s recently come under scrutiny for its role in the deaths of dozens of marine species—including leafy seadragons, fish, and octopuses.
After Rowland’s shocking discovery, health authorities acted quickly to close the affected beaches. The new outbreak of marine carnage has renewed concerns about the foam in our waters. According to scientists, this foam is indicative of a microalgal bloom. This unusual phenomenon is fueled by a trifecta of severe heat, stagnant water, and the Gulf of Mexico’s continued marine heatwave.
“I was really raspy. It was sort of like when you inhale a potent cleaning product, if you’re cleaning a kitchen sink or something. It hit the back of my throat,” said Rowland, who experienced a respiratory reaction after coming into contact with the foam.
After conducting basic tests, Rowland noticed some unusual properties of the foam. He referred to parts of it as showing a “rainbow effect in the bubbles.” He posted pictures on social media of dead marine animals washing up, further emphasizing the impact of the situation.
“In the last 24 hours there’s dead fish along Victor (Harbor), Middleton, Encounter Bay. It’s definitely hit the Victor coast, and there are dead octopuses in Middleton,” Rowland reported.
The state Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is working with other agencies to investigate the incident. They are presently in the field regularly collecting water samples. This will aid them in pinpointing the specific cause of the foam and its effect on marine life.
A state environment department spokesperson commented on the situation:
“It is believed the event could be due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions.”
In response to these developments, a spokesperson confirmed the temporary closure of the beaches:
“Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach within the Newland Head Conservation Park will be temporarily closed to the public in response to a fish mortality event in the area.”