Locals hoping to make the most of the hot weather by heading to the beach were left spooked after they found tens of sea creatures had washed up on the shore
As temperatures continue to soar across Australia this year, many locals flocked to Semaphore Beach, an idyllic coastline located just a few miles north of Adelaide on the west coast. But while those at the beach were trying to make the most of the hot weather, they were left shocked by one thing they witnessed.
One of those hoping to enjoy the heatwave as it swept across Australia was a local man named Sigor, who was on hand to catch a glimpse of the tens of sea creatures washed up on the shore.
While it’s not uncommon for those making the short journey from shore to sea to catch a glimpse of sea creatures while spending time at Semaphore, it is unprecedented for so many of them to end up on the sea’s edge for all to see.
With Sigor on hand to capture the unusual moment on his camera, he explained how the creatures initially began appearing earlier in the year during a heatwave.
He suggested that an algae bloom could be behind the phenomenon, stating: “The problem began earlier in the year following a severe heatwave.
“Many sea creatures were found dead on the coastline. It’s not happening in one day – it started at the end of the summer, caused by a heatwave. The water in the sea became warm, which created perfect conditions for growing algae.”
Experts warn that harmful algal blooms (HABs) can wreak havoc on marine life, and this incident seems to be a stark example of their impact.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has noted: “A harmful algal bloom (HAB) occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a body of water. The excessive algal growth, or algal bloom, becomes visible to the naked eye and can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the type of algae.”
Sigor detailed how this unusual algal outbreak initially hit the south coast, causing discomfort and ecological damage as it advanced towards Semaphore Beach: “It started mostly on the south coast in Victor Harbour and Goolwa with very foamy waves, causing the itchy throats of beachgoers and lots of dead sea creatures.”
He further explained: “The algae blooming started in February or March, when temperatures were very high. It caused white-green foamy toxic waves in the ocean, and since then, the bloom has been slowly spreading around the SA coast. Now temperatures are low, but the algae is still spreading and has reached Adelaide and its suburbs.”