Michelle Daw, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

A team of citizen scientists is monitoring the impact of the harmful algal bloom on two southern Yorke Peninsula jetties that were home to a dazzling array of sea life.

Certified volunteer divers involved in the Edithburgh and Wool Bay Jetties Marine Watch are conducting monthly photography, transects of the seafloor, and quadrat observations under and around both jetties.

The project also includes non-invasive tagging of jetty pylons and selected areas of the sea floor, enabling repeatable photographic surveys.

Observations are recorded on the project website and the iNaturalist portal, making them available for scientific analysis, community engagement, and long-term ecological monitoring.

The project is supported by marine ecologists Dr Janine Baker and Dr Craig Styan and the District Council of Yorke Peninsula, plus funding from a GoFundMe and a Department for Environment and Water grant.

Project leader, underwater photographer Paul Macdonald, said 10 volunteers were involved to date and more were welcome.

Alongside certified divers, the project also needed volunteers with skills in social media, website development and public engagement, including concierges to explain the project to visitors at the jetties during dive operations.

“With the support of volunteers, partners, and funding bodies, Edithburgh and Wool Bay Jetties Marine Watch will deliver meaningful environmental outcomes and build a strong foundation for restoration and recovery benefiting both the marine ecosystem and the broader community,” Mr Macdonald said.

Photos taken since September of 14 piles at Wool Bay jetty were showing encouraging signs of new growth of marine plants but regrowth under and near Edithburgh jetty had been much slower.

“Edithburgh Jetty was arguably South Australia’s most iconic dive site, known for its stunning marine biodiversity and significant role in eco-tourism,” he said.

“It was a macro photographer’s dream, featuring leafy sea dragons, blue-ringed octopuses, anglerfish — including the endemic and rarely recorded rodless anglerfish — pyjama squid and more.

“Wool Bay Jetty boasted shallow, seagrass-rich waters inhabited by eagle rays, wobbegongs, goatfish, cowfish, and leafy sea dragons.”

The project began in September and is expected to run for 12 months.

Mr Macdonald said, when the algal bloom subsided, the project would transition to restoring the local marine habitats and ecosystem.

For more information or to volunteer, see the Edithburgh and Wool Bay Jetties Marine Watch page on Facebook, go to ypmarinewatch.com or email info@downunderpix.com. 

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 16 December 2025.