Sea dragon populations decimated in ‘mind-blowing’ mass mortality event caused by South Australian algal bloom
Thousands of sea dragons, pipefishes and seahorses have washed up along state’s coastline according to analysis of citizen scientist records
TL;DR
- Thousands of sea dragons, pipefishes, and seahorses died in South Australia due to a devastating algal bloom.
- Over 1,600 weedy and leafy sea dragons, 1,400 pipefishes, and 160 seahorses washed up, impacting at least 13 of the 30+ Syngnathidae species in the state.
- Weedy sea dragons, recently listed as vulnerable, were severely affected, with their populations in South Australia potentially decimated.
- The toxic bloom, caused by *Karenia cristata*, has also affected over 800 other species and caused significant habitat loss, including kelp and seagrasses.
- Conservationists are concerned about long-term consequences, with efforts underway for habitat restoration, aquarium breeding, and artificial structures to support recovery.