Webinar: Integrated Planning in Australia’s Marine Estate, 26 June 2025
The lack of an integrated planning framework for the management of Australia’s marine estate is emerging as a major challenge for development of the Blue Economy. In this webinar, possible approaches to overcome these challenges will be discussed.
‘Our worst fears’: oyster farms remain closed
Sarah Herrmann. if it goes on for another month, I don't know that we'll still be in business." That's the sentiment of Stansbury oyster farmer Steve Bowley. Mr Bowley's farm, Pacific Estate Oysters, is one of several in the area closed due to the level of brevetoxin present.
Howeana returns home
Last November, a weak and injured Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) was found near the jetty by young Lord Howe Island residents ... The turtle was given the name Howeana ... Howeana was flown back to the Island in April, and taken to Old Settlement Beach for release in to sheltered seagrass meadows.
Algal bloom threatens entire marine habitats
Michelle Daw. Entire marine habitats around Yorke Peninsula could be destroyed by the current algal bloom, a local marine conservationist has warned. Speaking at a community forum in Marion Bay on Sunday, June 1, Andy Cameron of Foul Bay said the full extent of the damage caused by the bloom was yet to be revealed.
Aerial shark patrols extended to long weekend
Aerial shark patrols along the state’s coastline will be extended until the June long weekend, following unseasonably warm weather and an increase in shark sightings at popular beaches. This patrol season – which was brought forward to early November and will run until Monday 9 June – is the longest recorded in South Australia.
Cuttlefest 2025 is here!
Get ready to dive into the excitement – the Australian Giant Cuttlefish will arrive soon in the coastal waters near Stony Point, marking the start of Whyalla’s much-loved Cuttlefest 2025 celebrations! Running from June through July, the season features an exciting line-up of family-friendly, adventurous, and creative events taking place across the city.
Algae concerns close oyster farms
Sarah Herrmann. Oyster farms in Stansbury have been forced to close while authorities investigate whether food safety is at risk from brevetoxins produced by the microalgae Karenia. At least six farms were closed from Monday, May 5, as a precaution under the Primary Produce (Food Safety Schemes) (Seafood) Regulations 2017.
Five years of data in one application
Star of the South is confident of lodging the environmental approval applications this year for its proposed windfarm offshore from Gippsland. This follows the state government releasing the latest guidelines to implement the offshore wind projects.
Woman survives stingray barb
Michelle Daw. A woman who was struck by an eagle ray's venomous barb says she is lucky to be alive. Retired nurse Pam Bennett was pierced by the barb in her right arm while snorkelling in waist-deep water ... She said the ray's attack was unusual behaviour and would have resulted from it being in pain, because of the algal bloom.
X marks the reef – Australians urged to report tropical shellfish: OzFish
Australia’s fish habitat charity, OzFish, is calling on the help of Australia’s recreational fishing and ocean-loving super sleuths to track down the country's remaining tropical shellfish reefs — so they can be studied and restored. OzFish, in collaboration with Griffith University, is asking Australians to keep their eyes peeled for tropical shellfish reefs while out on the water.
Sharks in the shallows
Sarah Herrmann. Shark sightings close to the shores of numerous South Australian beaches have prompted the SA Government to extend aerial shark patrols — but Yorke Peninsula is not included ... Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA told the YP Country Times on April 24 it was aware of community concerns about sightings across the state, including on YP.
No heads up: Locals say toxic microalgae advice was too slow
Sarah Herrmann. Southern Yorke Peninsula residents have criticised the speed at which advice was provided to the public about the toxic microalgae bloom, which has been detected at Edithburgh and Coobowie, and caused dead marine life to wash up on numerous other SYP beaches.
Toxic algae found along coast
Michelle Daw. An algae toxic to marine life has been detected in water samples collected from Edithburgh and Coobowie ... The PIRSA spokesperson said the algae could cause mass deaths of marine life and particularly affect the gills of fish. "This is a dynamic situation as the bloom travels depending on weather and water conditions, and the impact therefore is unpredictable."
Suspected microalgae bloom kills SYP sea life
Dead sea creatures are being discovered along the east coast of southern Yorke Peninsula, believed to be linked to a microalgal bloom ... "We saw 30 to 40 dead octopus, and normally you have to really look to see one octopus during the daytime ... It was the saddest and most emotional dive I have ever had": diver Paul Macdonald.
Regional shark mitigation project
Rachel Hagan. Community consultation on the Yorke Peninsula for the Regional Shark Mitigation Project has begun, with Surf Life Saving South Australia visiting southern YP.
Shark net removal: SLSNSW
The NSW Government changes to the Shark Management Program include the removal of shark nets on beaches from 31 March 2025. The timing of the removal of nets to avoid the peak of turtle migration has been communicated to Surf Life Saving Clubs ... SLSNSW provides drone surveillance services at 50 sites across the NSW coastline during key times of the year.
‘Amazing’ race against time to save little miracles
As extreme weather threatened our coastline, TurtleCare volunteers worked tirelessly to safeguard the future of endangered baby turtles. Wildlife Conservation Team Leader Kate Hofmeister said their quick action and commitment ensured many nests were relocated to safer areas, giving hatchlings a better chance of survival.
2025 Lord Howe Island Sea Slug Census February, 28 to March 9
Lord Howe Island will host its eighth annual Sea Slug Census from February 28 to March 9. Launched at Nelson Bay, NSW in December, 2013, the Sea Slug Census program has spread across Australia, and to sites in Indonesia and Vanuatu, with more than 4,000 participants photographically documenting the distribution of over 1,100 species to date.
Measuring the true value of Australia’s natural environment: Plibersek, Leigh
The Albanese Labor Government has ... released the first set of National Ecosystem Accounts which will help Australians better understand the value of nature to our economy and our wellbeing. The accounts will inform the Government’s policies and decision-making processes to better measure the impacts of our actions to the environment.
Cape Elizabeth ‘single biggest driving force’
Sarah Herrmann. Damage at Cape Elizabeth was the single biggest driving force behind a proposed coastal access strategy for Yorke Peninsula, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board general manager Tony Fox says.
Coastal plan out now
Sarah Herrmann. Community consultation is now open on the draft Yorke Peninsula Coastal Access Strategy 2025-2035, with members of the public invited to share their feedback via a survey ... Consultation sessions have already been held with local landholders and progress associations, 4WD representatives and the tourism sector.
Tragedies bring hazards into sharp focus
Serena Kirby. Five drowning tragedies along WA’s southern coastline this summer have again highlighted the ever-present danger our coastline presents. Two people lost their lives in waters off Esperance, two at Conspicuous Cliffs ... and one at Bremer Bay.
