Lingering toxic algae bloom kills marine life

A vast toxic algae bloom has sparked growing concern in Australia as it lingers off the south coast, killing hundreds of marine species and disrupting fisheries.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unlocked federal funds this week to cope with the Karenia mikimotoi algae as it persists four months after first appearing.

South Australia’s government said it was holding an emergency meeting yesterday to be briefed by scientists on the phenomenon.

The algae, which damage the gills of fish and suffocate them, stretched across 4,400 square kilometres when it was first spotted in mid-March, according to the state government.

While South Australian authorities hoped the bloom would disperse, it has instead spread across the region, the latest government update said.