ENVIRONMENT - Harmful Algal Bloom in SA

The SAGC is playing a key role in the whole genome assembly of Karenia mikimotoi, which will be a crucial tool for research into bloom dynamics, toxicity, and mitigation in South Australian waters.

Researchers at Flinders University, led by Dr Michael Doane and Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale from the Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME), in collaboration with the SAGC, launched an initiative to sequence the whole genome of Karenia mikimotoi, the suspected microscopic algae linked to the harmful algal bloom devastating South Australia’s coast. The project aims to deliver the first high-quality reference genome for this disruptive species and the important work is being supported by Bioplatforms Australia.

“Globally, K. mikimotoi blooms have caused severe economic losses across Europe and Asia. Despite this, we lack critical knowledge about its toxicity, bloom drivers, and ecological impacts,” said Dr Michael Doane. “Genomic research can help fill this knowledge gap, directly informing monitoring, mitigation, and ecosystem management strategies for South Australia and beyond.”

SAGC Business Manager Joel Bathe said a high-quality reference genome will be a foundational resource for researchers. “This genome is ~16 times larger than the human genome and will require a substantial amount of sequencing – underscoring the importance of having strong local capacity to deliver this work,” he said.

These efforts can contribute to providing critical insights into:

- Toxin production — identifying the genes and proteins linked to the harmful compounds that damage marine life.

- Bloom dynamics — describing the genetic traits that enable micro-algae, like K. mikimotoi to affect the ecosystem dynamics, persist in changing conditions, and outcompete other plankton.

- Evolutionary history — revealing how this species has evolved unique genomic structures, including unusual repeat regions and extra-nuclear DNA, that may explain its ecological success.

- Future management — identify vulnerability in the micro-algae genome that could help identify areas to be targeted for mitigation strategies.

“The SA Algal bloom highlights how little we know about the genomic seascape in Australia” said Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale.

Bioplatforms Australia (part of NCRIS) is supporting this work as part of its mission to build foundational molecular datasets to address environmental and biodiversity challenges.