Two beaches in South Australia have been closed after dead fish and an off-white foam appeared onshore, while surfers reported feeling unwell. Authorities suspect that a microalgal bloom, fuelled by unusual weather, has caused these problems. Environmental scientist Sam Gaylard called the event ‘concerning’ due to its scale. The two beaches, south of Adelaide, were shut down on 17 March. Surfers reported symptoms like sore eyes, throats, and coughing. Marine scientists have collected foam samples, though identifying the organism may take days. It is not certain how long this situation will last: the algae, probably triggered by extended hot, dry weather and calm seas, might be dispersed by increasing swells.