Dolphin deaths in South Australia spike after algal bloom decimates food sources

<p>The March 2025 marine disaster may be linked to a high number of dolphin deaths in the region, scientists say</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The number of dead dolphins washing up on South Australian beaches spiked in 2025, according to long-term data that reveals mortalities during the state’s devastating algal bloom were the highest in 12 years.</p><p>Last year, at least 70 carcasses of common and bottlenose <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/13/south-australia-algal-bloom-albanese-government-response-black-summer-era-fast-track-dolphin-beach">dolphins were found</a> across South Australia, with a further 20 reported in 2026, including the recent death of a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-12/port-river-dolphin-zoom-death-being-investigated/106791044">popular Port River dolphin</a> known as Zoom.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/14/dolphin-deaths-south-australia-algal-bloom">Continue reading...</a>