Is the Algal Bloom Impacting The Big Duck? 🌊
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) of Karenia mikimotoi & other Karenia Species, first detected off Waitpinga Beach in mid-March 2025, has resulted in several localised marine mortality events across parts of the South Australian coastline.
However, we want to reassure our guests that The Big Duck’s ocean-based tours have not been impacted. The South Coast has seen minimal presence or/ effects from the bloom in our operating area, and we’ve continued to run our tours safely and uninterrupted throughout the season.
In recent days a re-surgence of Algae has been detected off the Victor Harbor coastline. So far this hasnt casued any issues with tour operations or wildlife sightings & we will continue to monitir the ever-changing situation.
Our seasonal Sea Wirrina tours began Late September/early October & as we’ve started running these tours through the Western Fleurieu, the algae is not impacting tours. We are seeing vast numbers of Seals this season.
We remain fully operational with our regular tour schedule in place.
What Else Are We Doing? 🔬
We’re actively monitoring the situation by collecting regular water samples along our tour routes. These samples are analysed by local scientists and algae specialists to measure concentrations of various algal species.
The Karenia mikimotoi strain becomes harmful to marine life when concentrations exceed 500 cells per millilitre (500,000 cells per litre). All samples taken within our tour region have shown only trace to low, non-toxic levels—well below the harmful threshold.
What Wildlife Are We Seeing? 🐬
We continue to experience exceptional marine wildlife sightings, including:
Common and Bottlenose Dolphins
Long-nosed Fur Seals and Australian Sea Lions
While we are fortunate to be operating in an area not currently affected, we acknowledge the significant impacts this bloom has had elsewhere in South Australia. Our thoughts are with those communities and ecosystems affected, and we remain committed to staying informed, transparent, and responsive.
