The Albanese government has announced plans to fast-track an expert assessment of the algal bloom's impact on marine life, which has been compared to the devastating effects of the black summer bushfires.

This severe algal bloom, caused by the microalgae Karenia mikimotoi, has transformed large areas of South Australia's waters into 'dead zones', leading to significant ecological concerns.

Scientists have reported that this catastrophic bloom has resulted in the deaths of over 12,000 marine animals, including various species of sharks, dolphins, and penguins.

Citizen scientists have documented more than 26,000 dead marine creatures, highlighting the severe impact on marine biodiversity.

Species at risk from this crisis include the great white shark, the endangered coastal stingaree, and the pygmy thornback skate, all of which require immediate conservation efforts.

Local fisheries are also facing significant economic losses due to the algal bloom, compounding the crisis for both wildlife and the fishing industry.

Experts attribute the bloom's severity to human-mediated factors, including nutrient-rich runoff and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for accelerated decarbonization.

The Biodiversity Council has called for additional funding beyond the $28 million already allocated for crisis management, stressing the need for substantial investment in wildlife recovery measures.

Coalition Senator Anne Ruston has criticized the federal and South Australian governments' combined $14 million assistance package as inadequate for addressing the disaster's impact.

A government spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, affirming the Albanese Government's commitment to collaborate with South Australia to tackle the crisis.

Conservation groups are urging immediate action to protect endangered species and implement recovery strategies, stressing the importance of timely assessments.

As the Senate inquiry into the algal bloom progresses, findings are expected by late October 2025, amid warnings of increasing environmental disasters linked to climate change.