/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/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.  August 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/harmful-algal-bloom-and-human-wellbeing-impact /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/two-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. August 5 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/two-environment-institute-members-win-2025-young-tall-poppy-science-awards /environment/news/list/2025/07/22/an-underwater-bushfire-sparks-urgent-calls-urgent-calls-for-action-in-south 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. July 22 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/22/an-underwater-bushfire-sparks-urgent-calls-urgent-calls-for-action-in-south /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/uncovering-the-truth-about-sea-snakes ABC’s brand new nature series 'Dr Ann’s Secret Lives' follows presenter Dr Ann as she ventures into the wild with leading scientists to uncover the fascinating and often hidden behaviours of some of the world’s most elusive creatures. In Episode 2, Dr Ann joins Associate Professor Kate Sanders, Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, and their team in Dampier Marine Park to explore the secret lives of these mysterious marine reptiles.   July 22 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/uncovering-the-truth-about-sea-snakes /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/nest-planting-day-success We’re proud to have supported the first event through NEST this past weekend, an inspiring day of hands-on conservation, community connection, and collaborative learning. Over 2000 rare and endangered plants were successfully planted across 16 properties, restoring swamps and riparian zones with the help of 35+ student and researcher volunteers and 30+ landholders.   July 21 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/nest-planting-day-success /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/tickets-now-available-for-the-international-symposium-on-green-urban-futures Registration is now open for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, taking place at the National Wine Centre in ���˲�Ʊ, South Australia, on 3–4 December 2025. Presented by the Environment Institute, in partnership with Green ���˲�Ʊ and Treenet, the symposium is chaired by Professor Veronica Soebarto, initiative lead of Green Urban Futures and Planetary Health at the Environment Institute. July 16 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/tickets-now-available-for-the-international-symposium-on-green-urban-futures /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project The Koonamore Project based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation. July 15 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/what-border-seizures-tell-us-about-the-transnational-shark-trade Environment Institute members Dr Patrick Reis-Santos, Professor Phill Cassey, Professor Bronwyn Gillanders, and PhD Candidate Josephine Lingard recently published a new paper looking at the transnational shark trade, showing what they've uncovered as a cause for concern. With over one-third of shark species now threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing and international trade, this study provides new insights into the personal use trade of shark products through Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand. July 15 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/what-border-seizures-tell-us-about-the-transnational-shark-trade /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/applying-the-iucn-species-conservation-cycle-in-australia At the IUCN Species Survival Symposium, Dr Jess Marsh co-led a workshop and joined a panel discussion focused on applying the IUCN species conservation cycle—assess, plan, and act—to support national conservation efforts. These three steps work together: assessing species' status, planning tailored strategies, and—most critically—acting on the ground to deliver conservation outcomes. Each step is essential to preventing extinction, especially for data-poor or hyper-diverse taxa like fungi and invertebrates. July 10 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/applying-the-iucn-species-conservation-cycle-in-australia /environment/news/list/2025/07/09/how-south-australias-algal-bloom-is-threatening-marine-life-and-public-health Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South Australia's coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee described the event as an “underwater bushfire,” urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities. July 9 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/09/how-south-australias-algal-bloom-is-threatening-marine-life-and-public-health