Tue Mar 18 09:54:22 UTC 2025: ## Mysterious Sea Foam Sickens Surfers, Kills Marine Life on South Australian Beaches

**Victor Harbor, South Australia –** A mysterious yellow and green foam has blanketed South Australian beaches, leaving over 100 surfers ill and causing a mass die-off of fish, octopuses, and leafy seadragons. The incident, centered around Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach, approximately 100km south of Adelaide, has prompted the temporary closure of both beaches.

Surfers reported experiencing flu-like symptoms including itchy eyes, dry coughs, sore throats, and in some cases, blurred vision. Local surfer Anthony Rowland, who posted images of the foam and dead marine life on social media, stated that the response to his post revealed over 100 people suffered similar ailments. Reports of dead fish have also emerged from Middleton, Encounter Bay, and Victor Harbor, suggesting the problem may be widespread.

Authorities suspect a microalgal bloom, potentially fueled by a marine heatwave and stagnant water, as the culprit. The bloom, possibly containing cyanobacteria, is known to produce toxins that cause flu-like symptoms in humans and can be lethal to marine life.

The Department for Environment and Water and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) are investigating the incident. While Waitpinga and Parsons beaches are temporarily closed for public safety, officials assure the public that they are working to reopen them as soon as possible. The investigation into the fish mortality event is also underway.

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