We all have to take the blame for this. It's contentious that we here in Australia put our hand up & say yes we'll reduce emissions, then you've got the big emitters not really part of the deal. But you still have start local & at a personal level. This is of our making & it's our inherent duty to be part of it's unmaking. To hear about innocent marine life just being suffocated is abhorrent. Each & every one of us has a responsibility to this planet to do our best to make our carbon footprint as light as possible. Composting food scraps via a worm farm is a great start as it reduces many things such as emissions, landfill methane production, nutrient pollution of our waterways & you've got free worm poo to add to your garden from the worm farm. Travel is a bit of a dirty word, saying hey I'll slow down on that one, but planes are all scheduled & they're going to take off with or without you, leaves me a bit dumbfounded. Well done Josh & Belinda for taking time out to give us all a bit more of an insight. We have to have this front & centre of our conversation & do what we can do. Governments can only do so much, it's up to us now

Totally agree BBR - so why is it that so many regular Joes out there dont give a shit ? For example a well-educated mate of mine just bought a V8 - WTF ??. My mind boggles. The Gov can only do so much re this issue - they cant get rid of the bloom - they can only study it and plan for the next onslaught - but that's only for the level of assistance they are going to provide to those businesses affected and to scientists to study it.
What the Fed Gov can do is not be so lapse regarding their/our commitment to zero emission by 2030 - they are dragging the chain and unlikely to hit those lame targets anyway.
I surf at Waits and Middleton and have been affected numerous times by the bloom with sore throat, coughs and headaches for 24 hrs or so but that pales into insignificance compared to the gut-wrenching sorrow I feel when I see all the marine life washed up dead on the beach and see the ocean beds wiped out of sea life by this global warming phenomena. It's like a car crash - you dont want to look at !!
I try to do my bit - recycling, bought an EV, solar rooftop power etc but what more can we do to convince the broader community and industry for that matter to do their bit ? I empathize with those feeling the pinch with the cost of living crisis but there wont be much of a planet left for our next generation if we dont address this climate crisis front on.
Sorry if this seems like a rant - but thats how I feel sadly and I had to voice it !

Feel for you RTM on the frontline & what you're experiencing? Like what's been already mentioned if it was happening in Bondi it'd be daily national news. When I first heard of this a few months ago I thought it just would go away with the cooler winter currents but this is worrying that it's hanging around like it is.
Hoping for you guys this does disperse soon & get back some sort of normality

Not the Murray River?

Nature is just an input to production for those who own the means of production. Changing your personal consumption habits is just tinkering at the edges. Until it's no loner profitable to pump emissions into the atmosphere there's no possibility of anything changing. It is up to us, but it's things like Rising Tides in Newcastle where it's at, not being a better consumer. Serfs up.

Thanks for posting this to raise more awareness Stu, it really is a devastating and utterly heart breaking situation. I live on the mid coast, have a young family, my 6 year old son got his first surfboard last Christmas, stood up for the first time during the summer and is absolutely hooked, how am I supposed to explain to him I can't take him for a surf because of the water?! But as RTM said this pales in insignificance to the sealife washing up dead on the beach, I used to walk my dog on the beach at Seaford every day but can't even do that, aside from it being too depressing other people have had their dogs get really sick or even die from this so I won't risk it.

It is utterly fkd and with no end in sight.

Going back a good number of years ago in NZ we had a quite a few years with recurring algal blooms.

At the time I was studying marine ecology at university so we spent quite a bit of time on it. The species of algae change and have different affects. Some have general toxicity like this one and some don't kill fish for the most part but concentrate in filter feeders (like shellfish). This shut down our mussel and oyster industries because a lot of the blooms had neurotoxic affects like paralysis or death if the shellfish were consumed. Obviously a huge impact on recreational harvesting too.

The warmer waters impacted on it and also enclosed areas of coast were more impacted as swell and wind help to break up the bloom. If I recall correctly La Ninã years were worse for us.

One of the theories was that increased shipping has transported more harmful algae around the world in ballast water and regs for ballast water treatment have been tightened also because of the other harmful organisms that can be transported. We now have very strict monitoring of seafood in case toxic algae are detected. Fortunately we haven't had anything too bad lately but with increasing marine heat wave events it's just a matter of time, as mentioned in the video, before we or somewhere else will be dealing with it.
Luckily back then we weren't in a period of whack a doodle conspiracies, and action could be taken as best as possible, which aside from monitoring was mostly waiting it out and public safety announcements.

At the time it seemed like it might become an every summer event but fortunately this doesn't seem to have been the case.

Who is cooking the oceans & ATO books ?

Geologists perspective

There is a pretty solid link with increased open water bio foul Algal cleaning of Shipping / Cruises.

It's very scientific > Victor Harbor offshore Upwelling + also recall Chinese hung off the coast.
Anyhow! tbb thought he was alone with this way out theory...not so...
Recall during Covid Dec 2022 / Jan 2023 > NZ / Tas / Vic sent all ships to SA to have their arses wiped.
Most will recall the Hot Spot Shitty Servo was exactly where this shit started up...off Victor Harbour!
At least 2 Cruise Ships (Orion + 7 seas Explorer) had there arses wiped right here...Why?
Coz upwelling oxygenates critter's skin...sea bed of exfoliation > also great for clearing bio foul...Got it!
Also right on the edge of International waters!

There are a few in the know that suspect Ship Cleaning trade off brings the Boys to the yard.
Just repeating what all know > SA accepts & cleans the Ships in International Servo Bays...Got it!
Just saying that NZ Chinese Ditch Vessel simply pulled into SA Servo just as all other cruises...Why Not!
Not the same Servo but close enough to either get serviced or service itself in Pit Lane!
Mostly if one considers that Deep Trench Shit might just kill World Oceans...Ok! Ya know that's Urgent!
Albo : Prefer they don't pull into our Ship Servo > BUT > China gotta rid that Deep Sea Goop or else!
Consider the Deep Sea Bilge was released in a SA offshore warm patch to kill off nasties...
Best way to kill off any aliens before it spreads world wide!

Record Cruise Season = Record bio foul arse wiping...
Record Upwelling + Detergents + Scraping off Algae + Record Cruise Routes = A stinking #@!* mess!
More importantly...record SA bilge along record longest stretch of Cruised SA Coastline!
Kinda like Premier invites exotic cruises to anchor in service bays...scratch each others backs! Better!

Even more interesting > SA Govt plan on many less Filthy fuckin' Cruises next year...huh!

see here...Record > 48% ramp > Oct 2024 > June 25 Cruise Season
https://tourism.sa.gov.au/news-articles/diamond-princess-signals-the-sta...

Something goes horribly wrong...Oopsie! Can't Breathe...
Sure... SA boasted a few newbies...
World Tour or 2 popped into the Local briny...well...only if SA swung them a favour...you know...(Cough!)
Yer drowning it it...

see here...Record > 56% drop > Oct 2025 > June 26 Cruise Season (Sounds serious! Get well soon SA!)
https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/why-south-australia-joined-the-cruis...

Just sharing tbb can easily flesh this out...given more time...this being an intro that flies under the radar!
Basically...SA became #1 International Shitty Ship Servo until the shit hit the fan...Holy Shit...Alright.
Can promise the crew...this ain't the last ya hear of this whacko conspiracy...know that as fact!
Rec fishers are onto the same deal > Nasty exotic Cruise brews...etc...

Only issue being...highly secret Captain Logs...cannot prove it as they never shared Covid nor Bio Data!
Border Cops got the bio foul records...and ain't no one ever gonna see in Peter Perfect's Glove Box!
Simply ask the Premier to share all the Cruise Ship's Bio Foul cleaning Logs...(Good luck with that!)
Perhaps simply ask if the Chinese Sub had a little scrub while he was in the SA Tub...rub a dub dub!
PM : Prefer ya don't relive the Psycho Shower Screen Scream Scene...chills me to the bone!

Whatever caused this devastating ecological disaster, it is depressing to say the least. It seems like any stretch of coast is vulnerable if a perfect storm of conditions occurs. I feel for all the people directly affected and environmental destruction.

Sorry greebs...not tbb's out there theory...
SA asked Oz to help & simply passing on current timely Science & Govt Warnings!
If ya wanna censor best Marine Scientists / Bio security / Govts / Parliamentary Debate...go for it!

22 May 2025 WA Govt Protecting the marine environment
Warning > Hull Cleaning > [ Triggering Algal Blooms ]
Vessel owners can help protect WA’s aquatic biodiversity and prevent the introduction and spread of marine pest species in WA by :

Many products used to clean boats contain phosphates, ammonia, chlorine or other chemicals that may be toxic to aquatic life.

Cleaning in or around waterways may release chemicals into the marine environment either directly or through drainage systems.

Detergents containing phosphate increase the nutrient levels, [ which could lead to algal blooms ].
This reduces the amount of oxygen in the water and kills fish and other marine life.

https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/marine/recreational-boating/rules-safety...

31 Dec 2022 (Victor Harbour Ship of Shame Servo)
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2902788-hull-cleaning-again/
Viking Orion is currently getting her butt scraped.

January 2, 2023
You can add Seven Seas Explorer to the list of those impacted - she’s been turned around today en route to Fiordland and has to return to Australia for a clean - apparently near Adelaide

January 3, 2023 by Pushka
Orion was cleaned in international waters but just a short distance from Victor Harbor. Now the Regent is having the same thing done there. Guess they have experience now.

January 17, 2023 by Mrs F
Oceania has offered nothing for the ports we missed (Kangaroo Island and Portland) due to hull cleaning.

Victor Harbor Ship of Shame Servo (#1 World Algal Removal Bum Scraping)
Dirty Deeds done dirt Cheap!

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2902788-hull-cleaning-again/

Comments
But some of the ships hadn't reached NZ before they were told their hulls needed cleaning so how were they inspected? Coral Princess had been operating all around Australia for six months without being required to have her hull cleaned. Does that mean Australian marine biosecurity requirements aren't as strict?

Yes, I would suggest we don't have the same strict rules for our ports, as is also the case for most ports around the world.

FF to 6 July 2025 by KB {f} SA Recreational Fishers
Just a hypothesis....
In early 2023, a pink algae (which was apparently fungi) was cleaned off of the hull of a cruise ship ( the Viking Orion) about 27 kms off the coast of Victor Harbor. (Above : Many Hulls Cleaned here!)
Is it possible that this fungus, (or biofoul) coupled with warmer conditions, the nutrient rich water from the 2022/23 floods has multiplied in those perfect conditions along with the Karenia mikimotoi algae creating the perfect storm? If you look at the trajectory from where the ship was moored, it makes sense that this was possibly ground zero and first noticed at Waitpinga. *Apparently marine algae and fungi can form a symbiotic relationship.

..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Algal Bloom has infested Australian EEZ = National Crisis
IMO : Local > National > International Shipping spreading Algal Bloom as we speak = Global Crisis!

eg : China's Coast 346m Tons Ballast /year 1995-2014 = 1160
Sample 21/40 Ships had Bloom forming Species from 10 seas

Ship traffic has increased steadily over the last decade, both in terms of the number of ships and the frequency of voyages, as the construction of China's “21st century Maritime Silk Road”. It is estimated that more than 346 million tons of ballast water is discharged annually into China's offshore waters (Zhang, 2018), and is thus subjected to frequent harmful algal blooms. The offshore area of China Sea is a highly sensitive ecosystem. From 1995 to 2014, a total of 1160 harmful algal blooms outbreaks have been documented throughout China's coastal areas (Guo et al., 2015).

*In recent years, red tide of [ Karenia mikimotoi ] records were frequently linked to temperate waters of China, and the impact resulted from these red tides on China's aquaculture industry is considerable (Lv et al., 2019).

*The results of the study indicated that the movement and subsequent invasion of K. mikimotoi to new regions within the China Sea has been linked to ballast water transport (Wang et al., 2010).

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964569122000217#...).

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/aircraft-vessels-milita...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1457974634493914/posts/3804826613142026/
23 July 2025 Alan Hall Author/Admin
Documentation provided seems to provide for areas of concern ie areas of high risk no exchange takes place "Reporting obligations for domestic vessels
Vessels that have been released from biosecurity control are still required to manage the
movement of Australian sourced ballast water. All ballast water must be managed or receive a
low risk exemption from the department prior to discharge. Vessels can seek a low risk exemption through a Domestic Risk Assessment submitted through
MARS. Exemptions will be granted for ballast water which is determined to be low risk based on
the date and port of uptake and the date and port of discharge. Once submitted, a Domestic Risk
Assessment Outcome document will be issued advising the vessel of the status of the exemption.
Vessel operators should be aware that seasonal changes will affect the outcome of risk based
exemptions within Australian ports. Risk based exemptions for Australian sourced ballast water
are only issued for a single voyage on the specified dates.

Alan Hall : "I have contacted EPA for a response!"

..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Adelaide Desal (Several Papers on Desal triggering Algal Bloom events)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011916415000119

Dec 2012 Adelaide Desal (Fully Operational)
2 April 2013 ( Plant discharged 159 ML of Saline Concentrate into Marine Environment

Now check the dates...Adelaide [Algal Bloom]
Jan-May 2013 Widespread prolonged SA Coastline Marine Mortality Event https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fma...

2025 (Similar Desal Release times in another coincidental Mass Algal Bloom Kill!)
So naturally...one must ask the question in Parliament! Why is these Desal > Algal Bloom events a Thing?

15 May 2025 : Sarah Game MLC
Toxic chemicals used at the Adelaide Desalination Plant - including acids, biocides and heavy metals - are released into the sea through brine discharge.
Given the recent reports of marine deaths, are all chemicals being monitored, and what’s being done to rule out the plant as the cause?
https://www.facebook.com/sarahgameMLC/videos/toxic-chemicals-used-at-the...

Comment : "Pity the stock stand reply is we'll take it on notice!"

24th May 2025 : Dr Paul McShane https://globalmarineresourcemanagement.com.au/2025/05/24/desalination-an....
The recent activation of the Adelaide desalination plant and the coincidental toxic algal bloom causing the widespread deaths of marine fauna is cause for concern. As shown by the chlorophyll map above, the bloom including the toxic marine alga Karenia mikimotoi occurred close to the Adelaide plant which discharges brine and maintenance chemicals into a relatively sheltered nearshore environment. Notably, to reduce harmful impacts, dispersion jets are used to rapidly dilute brine and potentially toxic chemicals at the point of discharge. In doing so, the strong jets can mobilise sediments and release nutrients and previously dormant cysts of toxic algal species including algae causing the current devastating bloom. The disturbance to nearshore sediments, and conditions favourable for rapid increase in the growth of toxic algae such as elevated temperature, nutrients, and sunlight, present plausible causes of the bloom. Such conditions are likely to be more prevalent with climate change. Public statements which exclude or aim to diminish the role of desalination discharge as a cause are inconsistent with desalination plants elsewhere in the world which have been associated with harmful algal blooms. This underscores the considerable risk presented by a proposed desalination plant off Port Lincoln which is adjacent to a designated aquaculture zone. It is generally recommended that desalination plants be situated on high energy coastlines away from valuable biological resources.

Govt Reply...
18 July 2025 No health issues are known to be associated with brine discharged from desalination plants, and brine is not associated with greater algal growth. All marine desalination plants operated by SA Water are licensed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and must comply with strict environmental standards, including the management of brine outflow from the desalination process.

Record Desal Release / Shipping / Hull Algae Descaling are renowned Algal Bloom incubators regardless.
Censor best marine science of Algal Bloom origin, incubators or global transference as much as ya like...go for it!
Wanna hide the reason...knock yerselves out...still gotta manage all players as ya clean up yer Marine environment
Can't see any reason for not cleaning up SA / Global Port waters to contain the outbreak...watch Sea Sick!

Oz Marine Regions
Ultra rare well researched straight rip on Chinese Vessels...crew get to wade in as deep as they like!

Aircraft incident + Oz Bio Marine Regions Dictate both Chinese Naval / Scientific Voyages

Mining Magnates backyard -Keep Out (S/W) > |Servo| < (S/E) Stricter Enviro-Bio Foul regulation

Hull Cleaning

We'll start with the most secretive Aukus Subs just to Calm yer nerves...nuthin' suss...Relax!

*ADF Sydney Harbour dry dock Subs/Vessels for 2 week Poop Scoop / Nappy Change / Baby Oil etc!

*Cargo ( Clean in Port during Slow Load time / Divers / Booms / Suction & Waste Guidelines )

*Cruises have faster turnaround & may need Port teams cleaning in EEZ Zone or in slow transit.
Likely riding Toy Like Cleaning Scour Mobiles near upwelling Zones providing clarity!

Mid 2022 Biosecurity Emergency Response (Above) tbb
Aust + NZ Cashed Up (S/E) Marine Bio Zone bullied isolated S/W into Mopping Up Covid.
Dedicated Borderline S/W Victor Harbor up welling zone as go to S/E Ship Of Shame Servo.
Plenty of Rotten Marine critter Gunk lines the Seabed here > upwelling froths it up.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSD7vbIj4pmyE3f1raZ...
Takes all of 2 secs to overlay that SA Algal Bloom centres on S/E Bio Region IMO toilet stop.
IMO Ships of Shame require an in transit 24 hr rough yucky scrub every few years...
Outside S/E EEZ zone > sold as a double priced Agatha Christie Mystery Stop Cruise...you're sick tbb!

* Deep Sea-Research Vessels/Submersibles

1994 UNCLOS International Seabed Authority 169 Countries (Includes Aust / China / NZ)
Abstainers are yer typical Oil/Resource exploitation Drill Baby Drill nations >
#1 World Ocean Polluters > (US)-Alaska-Greenland / Arab States / N Korea (Shit anywhere!)

ISA Members (Guidelines) Record / Report Deep Sea Research to afford further Exploration.
Simply means China not US follow Deep Sea / Antarctic Trench Dives - Protocol.

ISA - Research Vessels / Subs gotta clean Pre/Post & during long Missions.
* Usually equipped with 4x Dive Team / Chambers / Accom for constant cleaning.
* Obligation not to spread deadly exotic killer species
* Untold Transducers / Sonar Screens need to be sterilized & 100% free of contamination.
Oz defence shares the importance of Ship Shape Clean Swiping Sonar Screen of Oz Shelf / Cables
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/seabed-sensors-and-mapping-what-chinas...

* Crew would understand > Kept as slick as a surfboard hull > No extra Blips...etc!
* May require new prototype Bio Chemicals
* Chinese Subs are cleaner than your Royal China + freely on show > unlike sunken Yank Tanks
https://english.news.cn/20221128/1d70ebbbe0e14e108c5b18e7b116aa6b/202211...
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10235968104043323&set=pcb.1273286610...

Naval Mission (Generally Speaking)
Transacts & Tracks many Trench Points as if scanning Cables / Large tided - Wreck Parts.
See Chinese Naval Vessels stalled Sydney - NZ
* New Sub Sonar testing on #1 Busy Sea Transaction Point under busy Air Route
* Firing Cross shots over Sonar Array of many Peak Season criss-crossing Jet air streams
* Meaning if ya had a laser view of this...soon see entire orchestration of test worthiness.
* Such easy access rapid fire Sonar response logistics is invaluable!
* Cable crossing Point
* Hulls / Ammo / Radar / Sonar Cleaning at Northern Gateway to S/E Bio Region Entry.

Important to note Chinese have actually crossed two Ring Safaris around Oz...
Each side of Taiwan / Philippines / PNG / NZ / Tas (Just saying few picked up on such importance)
Pretty much mapped all South Pacific Canyons / Drop offs (Mostly)
As if they were conducting a complete search for a specific targeted larger prize!
There are a few tracking just what search that is!

Tan Suo Yi Hao secret Chinese Spy Mission/s.

26 Oct 2022 Tan Suo Yi Hao arrives Auckland
6 Mar Singapore < 21 Feb Broken Ridge WA < Otway Drop Off < Bass Canyon < 6 Jan 2023 Auckland
https://life.sjtu.edu.cn/En/Data/View/7633
https://www.theepochtimes.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepoch...

3 Jan Depart China > 24 Jan 2025 Tan Suo Yi Hao arrives in Wellington
68 scientists / 8 countries China / NZ / Germany / Brazil / India / France / Denmark / Malaysia
32 Pusegur Trench dives 6km deep x 800kms long collected 3,000 samples
https://www.sit.ac.nz/News/ArtMID/6435/ArticleID/1731/SIT-students-view-...

https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/4679187-china-new-zealand-de...

MH 370 X < WA < Detox SA S/W |Zone| S/E Departs Bass Strait < 21 Mar NZ (Tan Suo Yi Hao)
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/interpreter_art...
https://www.aspi.org.au/strategist-posts/seabed-sensors-and-mapping-what...

Tan Suo Yi Hao slows to scan Bass Canyon races over Basin, slows for Otway Shelf Drop Off clean.
Outside SA EEZ S/W Zone the Research Vessel slows to cleans ALL Sonar Screens & Transducers.
By law as other ships + just as Chinese Naval Ships Cleaned to Enter S/E Zone NZ / Tas compliance.
Also now nearing warmer water closer to Adelaide's Pro in transit Clean Teams
After SA in transit detox, is fine to continue scanning Bight Canyons for 2014 Robe MH 370 Wing
Ship records indicate it never stopped to cut-cables as thought, but was intent on scanning only.
Keeps scanning Canyons / Cables well west to perfectly transect MH 370 X site @ Broken Ridge WA
Pauses and circles scanning this MH 370 Hot Spot likely with S/W Bio Neutral Sub < From S/E NZ.
Just sharing how boring & normal this MH 370 scan likely played out amidst election furore!

https://x.com/NZ_Trav/status/1911281487472910541
https://static.cambridge.org/binary/version/id/urn:cambridge.org:id:bina...

Insightful map tackers advocate that Chinese wish to be rulers of the seven seas.
After best in the west failed & sunk ... the door is wide open for China to rewrite laws of the sea.

MH 370 had 153/227 Chinese Passengers > Losing 24 of their Master Calligraphers.
Chinese Authorities see MH 370 Recovery as Ultimate Old World Sci Fi Quest where West Failed!.
Whoever solves this impossible Chinese puzzle will be granted God Like bragging rights over others!
Also understand the Shame if another Nation finds their Chinese Trad Craftsmen.
They spare no cost & will comb every ocean floor & dive into deepest trenches to win world acclaim!
As said...these Drop off S/E zone toilet stops & Trench Dives also align to MH 370 Hot Spot surveys.

7 April 2025 https://42kft.com/chinese-research-vessel-near-australia-sparks-mh370-sp...

13 April 2025 V Lyne (Research Scientist)
Has China Quietly Found MH370? Final Reflections on the RV Tan Suo Yi Hao Expedition.
WA < SA Chinese Research Vessel Route
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/has-china-quietly-found-mh370-final-refle...

Cable Tied Version
https://www.newsweek.com/china-news-reveals-details-navy-deployment-arou...

Closing remarks...
Yes! It's likely that Chinese ISA Research Vessel was Typically cleansed as it entered SA S/W waters.
However...neither Vessel / Subs were ever likely to be in a filthy State.
Each photo of many never shows an unclean sub...be unfair to say it's grubby! (Rather Exotic!)
But it's fair to say...some unusual deep sea Cold Water exotics were briefly mixed in offshore waters.
tbb is not up to speed if any of these weird Biota would survive to run rampant in offshore SA waters
Although local fishers feel the Bloom is borne from Alien Bilge...
Data from ship logs indicate it's more likely from Chinese Cargo Vessels than Research / Subs.
Chinese paused for SA Border Clean to Scan Canyon Cables + mostly hovering MH 370 Hot Spots!

tbb can only share likely minor % of exotic in transit S/W < S/E Hull cleaning relating to Algal Bloom..
In theory if an uncleaned Ditch vessel hovered Victor Harbor for 12 hours then that's likely an issue!
So just getting everyone on same page with what info shared on Chinese Vessels.
Neither Right nor Wrong to include or dismiss...just how ditch biota relates in SA offshore waters.
Needs to be said as sea was rough when Chinese Passed by...
So whether that ups a faster acting dose or hastens it's demise is for experts in hull / bilge blooms.