14/07/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19b8qCYXN1/
⚠️Dog owners please be aware that according to SA local Richard Morton, a follower on my group page *(see his post link in comments below), he is a coastal resident, shared a warning to fellow dog owners after speaking to his vet. He wrote his local vet has had a number of ill dogs, some with blood noses; which they have now concluded is from the toxic algae they came in contact with while walking on the beach. A few of the dogs have sadly had to be put to sleep. 😢
If little ol’ me can come up with some ideas I can’t understand why the government is being so apathetic about the whole situation and at least try to experiment with certain ideas to help rid some of the algal bloom especially in shallow areas where its all seems to accumulate and people are walking their dogs.
Getting rid of the sludge that’s covering the ocean — particularly after an algal bloom or pollution event is a challenging task, but according to marine expert there are some steps that can be taken depending on the severity and location of the sludge, especially in sensitive areas like the Gulf St Vincent.
Here’s a breakdown of what can be done, both practically and strategically:
1. Mechanical Removal (Short-Term Action)
• In shallow or enclosed areas like estuaries, marinas, or beaches, specialised skimmers ( skimmer equipment like the one used for accidental pollution with oils), suction pumps, or dredgers can physically remove sludge or decaying algae from the water surface and seabed.
• This method is usually used in small-scale areas where sludge causes oxygen depletion or fish kills.
⚠️ Note: Removal must be done carefully to avoid further damaging seagrass beds and marine habitats.
2. Restoring Natural Filters
• Wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass beds act like nature’s kidneys — filtering nutrients and trapping sediment before it becomes sludge.
• Restoring these ecosystems in surrounding catchments helps stop the sludge at the source and prevents future buildup.
3. Stop the Sludge at the Source
• Most ocean sludge is caused by:
• Nutrient runoff (fertilisers, animal waste)
• Poor wastewater management
• Urban stormwater draining directly into the sea
• Solutions include:
• Upgrading stormwater and sewage infrastructure
• Constructing wetlands or retention basins
• Implementing stricter land use and fertiliser regulations
4. Bioremediation (Long-Term Potential)
• Some projects use beneficial bacteria or enzymes to break down sludge in a more natural way — kind of like composting for the ocean.
• Still experimental in open marine settings but promising for sheltered bays or canals.
5. Support Oxygenation Efforts
• In extreme cases of oxygen loss (hypoxia), artificial aeration (like floating fountains or oxygen pumps) is used to support marine life until conditions improve.
6. Ongoing Monitoring
• Continuous testing of water quality helps predict and respond to sludge events before they get worse.
• Support or volunteer with local marine groups like Reef Watch, Green Adelaide, or Conservation SA.
7. Become more mindful of the cleaning and washing products we use at home—like laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, floor cleaners, chemicals of all sorts and even personal care products—can have a significant impact on the health of our ocean ecosystems. While many people rinse these products down the drain without a second thought, what happens next is extremely damaging if we’re not mindful of the ingredients and our usage habits.
⚠️ Why It Matters:
Sludge from algal blooms or pollution doesn’t just look awful — it kills precious marine life, smothers seagrass, and destroys breeding grounds for marine animals. Recovery can take years if absolutely no action is taken now!wrt
