News: Environment Institute
The Harmful Algal Bloom – moving to finding a solution
As advised in a recent submission to the Australian Senate Inquiry into algal blooms in South Australia, researchers from the Environment Institute have recommended immediate actions. In the last month we produced and published the Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Capability statement to highlight this expertise, and help engagement with partners seeking to find solutions to the harmful algal bloom challenge.
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Celebrating the First Ever World Lake Day: Why Lakes Matter
Today is the first ever United Nation’s World Lake Day. The need to protect our lakes and maintain their biodiversity is essential more than ever. Lakes play a key role in climate regulation, keeping our planet cool through absorbing floodwaters, and storing carbon. We’re highlighting the research of Environment Institute member Professor Justin Brookes and his colleagues. Their recently published study enhances our understanding of nitrogen removal mechanisms in both the water column and sediments of large shallow lakes.
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2025 Environment Institute Research Symposium
We held our annual research symposium, bringing together over 120 attendees - research partners, stakeholders, Environment Institute members, higher degree research students, and EI Advisory Board members.This engaging, energised day provided connection and learnings related to the Institute’s nine Research Initiatives, our research capabilities, key partnered projects, as well as future opportunities and cross sector trends.
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Dr Phillipa McCormack on Ken Henry’s Call for Urgent Nature Law Reform
Dr Phillipa McCormack, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, wrote about Ken Henry’s call for reform of Australia’s fragile environmental protection laws in The Conversation. In his speech to the National Press Club, Henry warned that Australia’s global reputation and its net zero commitments are at risk without urgent change. He described the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBCA) as “a misnomer if ever there was one” and condemned delays in reform.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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