South Australia is taking a significant step forward in its coastal management efforts with the deployment of six high-tech monitoring buoys designed to detect harmful algal blooms (HABs) before they reach the coastline. These state-of-the-art oceanographic moorings are equipped with advanced sensors that can identify key HAB species like Karenia and immediately alert scientists through satellite communication.
The buoys, part of a collaborative effort under the State and Federal Government’s $102 million Summer Plan, also measure essential parameters like temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity continuously in real-time. This deployment will enhance South Australia’s capability to detect, monitor, and study coastal water quality and harmful algal blooms.
Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, shared, “While the algal bloom has presented many unprecedented challenges, it has also provided opportunities to learn from this event to ensure optimal preparedness for the future. By integrating world‑leading technologies from SARDI, CSIRO, and other research partners, we are building one of the most advanced coastal monitoring systems in the country. This is about using the best science available to protect our marine ecosystems for the future.”
This investment substantially increases the ability to detect HABs earlier and respond more effectively, shielding aquaculture industries, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities. “This investment strengthens our ability to detect harmful algal blooms earlier and respond more effectively, protecting our aquaculture industries, marine ecosystems and coastal communities, providing confidence that emerging risks can be identified weeks in advance,” Scriven stated.
The monitoring buoys will be a core part of the South Australian Integrated Coastal Water Quality Monitoring and Forecasting System. This system is a comprehensive scientific program managed by the newly established Office for Algal Bloom Research, in collaboration with CSIRO. The initiative builds upon the existing Integrated Marine Observing System moorings, which have been operational in open waters off the coast since 2008, and expands coverage into inner coastal areas.
The first two buoys have been installed at St Kilda and Stansbury in Gulf St Vincent, with positions for the remaining four to be decided after consulting with industry.
SARDI Executive Director, Professor Mike Steer, shared, “What’s really exciting about this, is it means real-time updates and the information collected by these devices will be sent straight to the scientists so rapid response measures can be activated.
“These monitoring buoys are an invaluable asset for South Australia and give us further confidence that we have a sophisticated monitoring and surveillance program in place that can rapidly detect any Karenia species. In the event of another harmful algal bloom, these impressive devices will help provide an earlier heads up for aquaculture industries and the community.”
With the deployment of these sophisticated monitoring buoys, South Australia is positioned at the forefront of coastal and marine ecosystem protection, ready to tackle environmental challenges with advanced scientific tools and a proactive strategy.
