An algal bloom along South Australia's coastline prompts health warnings, affecting Easter holidaymakers and raising environmental concerns.

If you were planning a crisp seaside getaway in South Australia this week, cancel the beach selfies—nature just dropped a bucket of slime on the party. An algal bloom has taken over coastal waters across parts of SA, turning picturesque surf into green mush and leaving locals fuming and tourists fleeing.
+ABC News, +SBS The bloom—basically an overgrowth of microscopic pond-scum-on-steroids—isn’t just ugly, it’s stinky. Some stretches of coastline now smell like a fish market had a nervous breakdown in a compost bin. Health authorities have warned against swimming or fishing in the worst-affected areas, which include popular spots like Yorke Peninsula and parts of Adelaide’s metro coast.
It’s all thanks to the perfect storm of warmer temps, nutrient runoff, and calm conditions—like a spa day for algae, minus the eucalyptus oil. Scientists say these events are becoming more frequent with climate change and urban pollution doing a messy tango. Local councils are trying to act chill, but business owners aren’t.
Tourism dollars are drying up faster than the beach towels, and one café owner even told ABC, “It’s like Mother Nature cancelled school holidays.” Cleanup isn’t easy, and there’s no ETA on when the beaches will be Insta-worthy again. Until then, beachgoers might want to swap sand for wineries—or at least bring nose plugs and zero expectations.
Sources: ABC News, SBS News, The Advertiser, SA Health
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