May 2026 Report: Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Monitoring Lab – Normanville

The HAB Monitoring Group has now been operating since November 2025, and we are pleased to report that we achieved one of our primary goals: monitoring our local beaches throughout the summer holiday period and contributing data to the Algal Bloom Dashboard, which tracks weekly Karenia counts at locations along the South Australian coastline.

We are very pleased to report that, from samples collected at 15 locations along our coast with a particular focus on weekly sampling at Normanville, we have not detected any evidence of Karenia phytoplankton to date.

That said, it is clear that the marine ecosystem is currently under considerable stress and appears to be out of balance. While there have been reports of increased numbers of large blue swimmer crabs and crayfish, there appear to be far fewer squid and octopus than usual. The phytoplankton communities themselves also appear to be shifting and changing.

For this reason, we are pleased to advise that our community Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Monitoring Group has received funding through the Algal Bloom Coastal Infrastructure Grant program. This funding will enable us to purchase high-quality water testing and monitoring equipment for use by citizen scientists in our local HAB monitoring laboratory at the Fleurieu Environment Centre.

Going forward, we have been advised by the Algal Bloom Coordination Unit and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet that our group will operate as a Sentinel Monitoring Group, contributing regular environmental observations and long-term coastal monitoring data.

Members of the group will undertake training in:
• Water sampling
• Microscope use
• Phytoplankton identification
• Environmental data recording

We have also been advised that training support will be provided by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

The project aims to build local capacity for coastal environmental monitoring and support the early detection of harmful algal bloom events along the Western Fleurieu coastline.

Monitoring activities will include:
• Regular seawater sampling
• Microscope identification of phytoplankton
• Water quality observations
• Image recording and documentation
• Data collection and archiving
• Community reporting and education

Long-term goal
To establish a locally based coastal monitoring network that contributes meaningful environmental data and strengthens community awareness and preparedness.

This project is designed not only to support environmental protection and public awareness, but also to encourage community participation in practical citizen science. Community members with an interest in marine environments, science, conservation, or environmental monitoring are warmly encouraged to become involved.

Importantly, this initiative will create a valuable community asset, providing access to professional-standard monitoring equipment and training opportunities that can support education, environmental stewardship, and future collaborative research opportunities within the region.

We look forward to working with local residents, volunteers, schools, researchers, and partner organisations as the project develops.

We are planning a Community Information Evening on Thursday 11 June at 6:00 pm at the Yankalilla Library and look forward to seeing interested community members there.

Thanks to:
Yankalilla District Residents Association
Community Op Shop
Fleurieu Environment Centre
Clr. Karin Hatch
Jane Power
Anita Saunders
Lyndall Booth
Greg Hyde
Phil Richards
Sandy Hillyer

AND special thanks to Peri Coleman for her tireless support and mentorship

Supported by a grant from the Government of South Australia