Hazardous sea foam floods Port Noarlunga Beach, prompting health warnings
Coastal authorities warn residents and visitors as foam reaches shore and encroaches on the Onkaparinga River, with asthma sufferers urged to carry medication.
A mountain of hazardous sea foam washed ashore at Port Noarlunga Beach, south of Adelaide, prompting health warnings for beachgoers as the foam began to creep toward the Onkaparinga River. Local authorities advised residents to monitor for symptoms such as eye irritation and coughing, and this week updated guidance to urge those with asthma to carry their medication when visiting coastal regions. The foam overwhelmed the shoreline and began entering the river mouth, raising concerns that it could spread into inland waterways in coming days.
Social media feeds have been flooded with dramatic images of the foam, alongside pictures of dead sea life tied to an ongoing algal bloom along Australia’s south coast. While the foam’s exact cause has not been pinpointed, locals have pointed to intensified algae growth as a likely contributor. Ocean Watch Australia noted that most sea foam is not harmful to humans and can indicate a productive ocean ecosystem, but it warned that decaying blooms near shore can release airborne toxins that irritate the eyes and can worsen respiratory conditions. Experts also indicated that popping sea foam bubbles during blooms can help transfer algal toxins into the air, which underscores why beachgoers with asthma or related conditions are advised to avoid contact with foamy or discolored water.
Public health guidance remains clear: stay out of foamy or discolored water, and avoid swimming or surfing in affected areas as officials monitor the situation. The Onkaparinga River area is of particular concern because the foam could spread downstream, potentially impacting nearby wetlands and other waterways if conditions persist. Those with asthma or other respiratory problems are urged to take precautions, including having access to their inhaled medications and seeking medical attention if irritation or breathing difficulties occur.
The incident sits within a broader context of environmental stress on coastal ecosystems, where algal blooms have been reported along the southern coastline. Scientists say warming waters, nutrient runoff, and changes in rainfall patterns can fuel blooms that spill onto beaches, degrade marine habitats, and raise public health risks. While authorities work to track water and air quality and to coordinate any needed cleanup, residents are advised to heed official advisories and limit exposure to the foamy water while monitoring for updates on the situation.