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Our Vision is to safeguard the environment now for future generations.
We deliver the knowledge needed to halt and reverse environmental decline and ensure a future that is healthy, diverse and equitable.
We work to understand the functioning of and pressures facing biodiversity, water and ecosystem services, and to deliver solutions with partners to halt and reverse environmental decline in terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems across natural, production and urban landscapes.
Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) capability statement
The Environment Institute has nationally important research expertise in marine, coast and freshwater ecosystem science, which is critical to understanding, monitoring, developing solutions, restoring and building future resilience to the unfolding algal bloom crisis impacting southern Australian coastal waters.
Support the Environment Institute’s research into the HAB
In a changing environmental landscape marked by environmental disasters and dividing debates, the Environment Institute’s systemic approach to complex environmental challenges brings together multidisciplinary teams across science, economics, law, psychology, health, philosophy, social science and engineering.
With researchers across all faculties of the University of Adelaide, the Environment Institute's multidisciplinary approach focuses on safe-guarding the planet, land, water and air resources delivering outcomes with industry government and community.
Hope and Wonder
The Hope and Wonder series is an informative collection of resources that includes public lectures, podcasts and events designed to inspire wonder in the natural world, while also providing hope that we can safeguard the environment.
Our research
The Environment Institute represents a diverse range of centres and programs, dedicated to making environmental change.
Our team
We have an enthusiastic team of researchers, dedicated to great research and results.
About us
Find out more about the Environment Institute, including our newsletters, annual reports and the latest research wins.
International Symposium on Green Urban Futures & Future Tree Workshop
Showcasing prominent international, national and local speakers to address challenges and discuss novel ways for cities around the world to achieve green urban futures. Held at the National Wine Centre, The University of Adelaide, 3 – 5 December 2025.
Member resources
Members of the Environment Institute are invited to use the resources available including images and templates.
Latest news
The Future of Reindeer at Risk
An international team of researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen, co-led by Associate Professor Damien Fordham, Environment Institute Deputy Director, sought to understand how reindeer have responded to past environmental change to better predict their chances in a warming future. Growing concern surrounds the future of reindeer as additional pressures mount.
Read more about The Future of Reindeer at Risk
Oyster Reef Restoration: Your Chance to Contribute
Oyster reef restoration is looking like the answer we need to combat the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), and now you have the chance to help. Environment Institute Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee recently spoke with ABC Radio Adelaide to discuss this great initiative in partnership with OzFish Adelaide Chapter, and how volunteering to make oyster baskets will help the Port River flourish once again.
Read more about Your Chance to Contribute
Steps to Clean Up the Algal Bloom
Around 30% of SA’s coastline is being impacted by a harmful algal bloom driven by heatwaves, nutrient run-off, and upwelling events. According to Environment Institute members Dr Dominic McAfee and Prof Sean Connell, the bloom is far too widespread for large-scale chemical, physical, or microbial trials. Instead, prevention and resilience are key. Oysters in affected areas are feeding on algae, mussels are cleared of toxins, and SA has committed to restoring 15 hectares of shellfish reefs. As climate change fuels more marine heatwaves and floods, HABs will return. Investing in oyster reef restoration and nature-based solutions could future-proof our coasts.
Read more about Steps to Clean Up the Algal Bloom
Restorative Bivalve Aquaculture Offers New Hope for Climate and Coastal Ecosystems
Environment Institute member Dr Alice Jones latest research explores the role of restorative bivalve aquaculture in supporting blue carbon ecosystems and reducing the climate footprint of food production. With over 51,000 bivalve farms now operating globally, there’s growing interest in “blue foods” that offer both nutrition and environmental benefits. Dr Jones’s work highlights how, when carefully designed, shellfish farming can help protect coastal habitats like seagrasses, mangroves, and tidal marshes—all critical to oceanic carbon storage.
Read more about Restorative Bivalve Aquaculture Offers New Hope for Climate and Coastal Ecosystems12 Aug
Harmful Algal Bloom and Human Wellbeing Impact
The harmful algal bloom (HAB) affecting our coastal waters in recent months is more than an environmental problem, it’s a public health, economic, and community wellbeing crisis. Its effects are rippling through coastal communities, disrupting livelihoods in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism while posing direct threats to physical health, from respiratory irritation to eye and skin discomfort. Hear what our Environment Institute members have said. 05 Aug
Environment Institute Members Win 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards
We’re proud to share that Environment Institute researchers Dr Georgina Falster and Dr Nina Wootton have been recognised with South Australia’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards! Dr Falster studies how Australian droughts are changing by tracing shifts in the water cycle using climate data and isotopes. Dr Wootton investigates the impacts of plastic pollution on seafood species and works with industry to drive sustainable change. 02 Aug
Local Action: The Key to the Murray-Darling Basin Recovery
The latest evaluation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is out, and the message is clear: fixing flows alone won’t fix the Basin. We need to restore the land itself. As co-author, Environment Institute member Professor Seth Westra highlights, we must go beyond water volumes and fix the land itself—rewetting wetlands, restoring floodplains, and supporting nature-based regeneration. 01 Aug
Adelaide’s Shift to Intense Downpours and Rising Drought Risk
New research led by Environment Institute member Assoc Prof Mark Thyer, with Prof Seth Westra and researchers from the Goyder Institute for Water Research, has revealed a major shift in our rainfall patterns. By analysing decades of weather station data, radar technology, and climate models, the team found Short, high-intensity downpours (10–60 minutes) are becoming more intense and annual rainfall is decreasing, raising the risk of drought. These shifts have big implications for flood preparedness and stormwater management. 30 Jul
Feral Rabbits Evolve in Unexpected Ways
What happens when domesticated rabbits go feral? They don't just revert to their wild form, they evolve new, unpredictable traits. A new study led by Environment Institute member Associate Professor Emma Sherratt reveals that feral rabbits develop distinct anatomical changes not seen in either wild or domestic populations. This groundbreaking work deepens our understanding of how invasive species adapt to novel environments and evolve over time. 22 Jul
An 'Underwater Bushfire' Sparks Urgent Calls Urgent Calls for Action in South Australia
Environment Institute Members are at the forefront of the algal bloom crisis, with the federal government announcing $14 million funding packing to help South Australia. We are fortunate enough to house leading expert researchers that have been on the front foot to inform the media and government about about the impacts and implications of the agal bloom.
Upcoming events
03 Dec
International Symposium on Green Urban Futures & Future Tree Workshop
The International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, held by The University of Adelaide’s Environment Institute, in partnership with Green Adelaide and Treenet, will present prominent local, national and international speakers who will address existing and future urban challenges and offer solutions from various lens – policies and planning, trees and urban forests, biodiversity, social sciences and economics, public health, design and built environment, as well as education.
Newsletter & social media
Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out about new initiatives and share with your friends what's happening.