SA fisher reports seawater quality harm to marine life

A commercial fisher in South Australia is worried about changes in seawater quality that he says are harming marine life and his business. Todd Dickenson, who works near Boatswain Point, has noticed warmer water temperatures and excessive seagrass. He has also seen marine animals in distress and suffered skin problems after swimming in the area. Dickenson's observations follow similar issues reported near Victor Harbor, about 200 kilometers away, where surfers have found dead sea creatures. He has measured water temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius, which is warmer than normal. He described octopuses as appearing lethargic and said it has become harder to catch fish. Long Beach resident Donna Isaacson has also noticed an increase in dead marine animals, seeing as many as two seals washed ashore each week. Dickenson, usually able to catch a good amount of fish quickly, now takes over a week to catch what he previously would in one day. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has noted significant changes in the water, including discolored seawater and increased seaweed along the beaches. They are conducting tests but cannot yet confirm if the issues in Dickenson's area are related to those reported at Victor Harbor. Phytoplankton blooms are suspected to be a cause of skin irritations for swimmers. Experts warn that these problems may be linked to climate change, affecting marine ecosystems in the long term. Current advice for swimmers is to avoid discolored waters or areas with dead marine animals and to report concerns to local authorities.