Algal Bloom - Goolwa Beach

Published 16th April 2026

Pipis to be collected for bait only

State Government Alert - Goolwa Beach pipis

Alert dated 16 April 2026
The Government of South Australia has advised recreational fishers that self-collected pipis from Goolwa Beach (between Middleton Point and the Murray Mouth) are to be used for bait only due to the detection of brevetoxins.

Read the full advice at algalbloom.sa.gov.au.

Pipi – also known as Goolwa Cockle – from the commercial harvesting areas south of the Murray Mouth are not impacted and remain safe to consume.

The South Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) regularly tests shellfish weekly to ensure they are safe for human consumption. Testing from samples taken this week show brevetoxin levels of pipis sampled from Goolwa Beach have reached the food safety limit.

Water sampling taken at the same time had zero detections of Karenia, showing that the algal bloom has not returned to Goolwa Beach.

Bivalves such as pipi can continue to accumulate brevetoxins because they filter water that still contains legacy brevetoxin left behind in the environment long after the Karenia bloom itself has faded.

All commercially available shellfish harvested from open South Australian waters is safe to eat as it undergoes strict testing to uphold food safety standards.

Signage will be in place along Goolwa Beach in English, Chinese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Afghani Farsi and Filipino to remind fishers that pipis are not to be consumed.

The recreational collection of pipis in South Australia closes on 31 May.

For more information on SA Health advice for any recreationally collected shellfish, or the algal bloom, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au or call the hotline on 1800 774 779.

Harmful Algal Bloom

A naturally occurring marine algal bloom is affecting the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula, Coorong North Lagoon, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.

The impacts of this bloom depend on weather and water conditions. While it can be harmful to marine life, SA Health has advised that it is not dangerous to people over the long term. Exposure to the algae in the water or via airborne aerosols (sea-spray and wind from the ocean) can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory symptoms such as a cough and shortness of breath.

The Government of South Australia is leading the response to this marine event.

For further information and updates, visit the State Government's dedicated algal bloom website sa.gov.au/algalbloom.

A free Algal Bloom Hotline is now available - seven days a week, 9 am-5 pm - by calling 1800 774 779

This website has a range of information, including:

Business Support
We encourage local businesses impacted by the algal bloom to apply for assistance through the Federal and State Governments' support package.

Businesses that are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Algal Bloom are reminded that Council has a Hardship Policy in place to provide you with support. If you require assistance, please visit our Financial Hardship website page, and reach out to Council’s Revenue Team on 8555 7000 if you require assistance

SA Health seafood safety poster with QR code and illustrations of a fish, scallop and mussles. Text says Algal blool update, Seafood Safety, All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat. Shellfish available for sale is frequently tested to ensure it meets strict safety standards. For more information visit www . algal . bloom . sa .gov . au

Please note, Lake Alexandrina, including Goolwa Channel, is no longer impacted by a separate freshwater algal bloom. SA Health updated its water quality alert on 6 August 2025. This freshwater algae species had no connection to the ongoing marine Karenia mikimotoi microalgae bloom currently affecting SA beaches.