Cawthron scientists help Australia get to the bottom of monster algal bloom on South Australian coast

New Zealand’s role – more specifically Cawthron Institute’s - in helping our friends across the Tasman manage this distressing and persistent toxic algal bloom shows the payback from our government’s long-term investment in seafood safety.  In the latest issue of FoodNZ (page 36), the Centre chronicles Cawthron’s part in identifying the toxic species dominant in the bloom, and generosity in giving Australia the knowledge necessary to set up their own accredited testing so they can analyse test samples more immediately.  Cawthron has been doing the testing for them, but it takes time to transport the samples to NZ, and time is of the essence when it comes to making decisions about closing or re-opening commercial aquaculture areas.

The Centre congratulates Centre Deputy Director Tim Harwood, Science Manager Kirsty Smith, and the wonderful laboratory team at Cawthron Institute, on their unstinting effort over many months.  Tim says “if the boot was on the other foot”, he’s sure the Australians would do the same for us. 

Published on: 3 December 2025