ABC News Daily The truth behind the toxic algal bloom
Mar 15, 2026
Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter who investigated the South Australian algal bloom. He recounts surfers falling ill and wildlife deaths. He describes the discovery of brevitoxins, delays in testing and public notice. He critiques official responses and warns about climate-driven increases in such events.
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Surfer Anthony Found Toxic Foam And Mass Deaths
- Anthony Rowland surfed at Victor Harbour and developed coughing, sore eyes and itchy skin after contact with a thick toxic scum and foam on the water.
- He posted photos and gathered ~100 reports within a day, then returned to find dead marine life and toxic foam washing onto beaches.
Kangaroos Found Paralysed Then Euthanised
- Anthony discovered dozens of motionless, apparently poisoned kangaroos near Victor Harbour while collecting water samples for the bloom investigation.
- Authorities had already euthanised roughly 105 kangaroos and later tests found brevitoxins in the carcasses.
Brevitoxins Detected In Multiple Species
- Pathology revealed brevitoxins in kangaroos, oysters and a shark, a toxin previously unseen in Australia and known to cause respiratory and gastrointestinal harm.
- South Australia rarely tested for brevitoxins, so the government lacked data on how widespread contamination was.