‘A horror movie’: sharks and octopuses among 200 species killed by toxic algae off South Australia

A toxic algal bloom off South Australia's coast has triggered a mass kill of marine life, suffocating organisms with hemolysis, neurological damage, and smothering them to death. The bloom, fueled by Karenia mikimotoi algae under conditions of marine heatwaves, calm weather, and high water temperatures, has killed over 200 species, with most fatalities occurring in fish and sharks. Cephalopods and decapods suffered smaller percentages of casualties, while the crisis has temporarily closed fisheries and oyster farms. Experts warn of long-term economic impacts and emphasize the need for improved warning systems and management measures to combat such blooms.