Algal bloom killed more than 8,000 sharks
The algal bloom may have pushed some species to the edge of extinction, according to a new report looking at the impact on local sharks and rays.
A new report has found over 8,000 sharks and rays perished during a toxic algal bloom in South Australian waters. Citizen scientists contributed to the study, with David Muirhead completing around 2,000 dives. Muirhead encountered a pygmy thornback skate, a rare species seldom seen, which could be the end of its existence. The coastal stingaree, deemed endangered, also suffered significant losses.
Experts warn that some species with low abundance and restricted ranges may face extinction due to the bloom. Despite being among the impacted species, neither the pygmy thornback skate nor the coastal stingaree are considered threatened by the federal government. The Great Southern Reef Foundation recorded over 8,200 dead sharks and rays, while unreported deaths may have increased the toll.
Researchers warn that local populations of certain species may have collapsed, with few sightings of tagged sharks and rays since the bloom. Shark and ray populations typically have low reproductive output, leading to slow population recovery.
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