How Citizen Scientists Track Dolphins, Algal Blooms and Bird Flu on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula

Citizen scientists regularly monitor the marine environment around the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. They collect water samples, wildlife‑behaviour observations and other data that are passed on to researchers.

Nedra Haines has monitored dolphins off Victor Harbor for 14 years, cataloguing 140 bottlenose and 50 common dolphins. She records each animal’s dorsal‑fin markings for the state biological database.

The volunteer group was among the first to notice early signs of the harmful algal bloom, spotting foam and unusual water conditions before the bloom spread to local beaches.

After the first Australian dolphin case at Goolwa Beach and a suspected sea‑lion case at Victor Harbor, the volunteers are now watching for any signs of bird flu in marine wildlife.

Samples are sent to researchers such as Shauna Murray, a University of Technology Sydney researcher whose team identified the toxin‑producing Karenia cristata within the bloom.

Dr. Niko Streiber, a scientist at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, collected 9‑litre bucket samples, filtered them at home and mailed them for laboratory analysis, confirming the algae species.

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