Surfers, scientists and fishers unite in powerful new film exposing marine crisis
Friday, July 24 - Surfers for Climate has today released a 10-minute documentary, Sea Sick, spotlighting the devastating impact of the algal bloom crisis along South Australia’s coast — and calling on the Federal Government to urgently reform outdated disaster laws.
The short film captures the lived experiences of those on the frontline — from surfers and fishers to scientists and First Nations Elders — as they deal with the social, economic and ecological fallout of a marine event unlike anything the state has seen before.
“This is a natural disaster, driven by climate change. But under our current rules, it doesn’t even count,” said Josh Kirkman, CEO of Surfers for Climate, an Australian charity dedicated to turning the tide on climate change.
“If the system can’t recognise what’s happening to our oceans, then the system needs to change.” said Mr Kirkman.
South Australia’s coastline is experiencing a crisis in slow-motion. A massive algal bloom has choked the ocean, silenced surf breaks, and left fishing boats tied to the dock. Sea creatures — from stingrays to leafy seadragons — are washing up dead. People are getting sick, and coastal communities are being left behind.
For months, surfers, fishers, and scientists have raised the alarm. But there’s been no formal national response — because Australia’s disaster framework doesn’t even recognise marine ecosystem collapse or harmful algal blooms as disasters.
Filmed in affected coastal communities across South Australia, Sea Sick reveals the scale of destruction and confusion left in the wake of the event, worsened by a lack of government transparency and timely action.
What some locals have to say:
Richard Coombe, Goolwa local: “We had a race out here… I started being affected, and I was coughing, and the eyes started watering, and we wondered what it was. Nobody knew exactly what it was.”
Shane Forbes Owner of Daily Grind surf shop: “We actually canceled a surf comp about a month or so ago. We had a committee meeting and just said, wow, we're not super comfortable to send the kids out and this stuff.”
Asher Dezsery, RecFish SA: “We're seeing a large amount of tackle stores with a reduction of sales up to 40%, and a reduction of bait sales of up to 80%. This is having a profound impact on small businesses.”
Dr Georgia Woods, Marine Ecologist: “We went out to have a look at the state of our reefs a month ago… and we found about 75% less of the species than you would usually find along our reefs.”
Surfers for Climate is calling on the Federal Government to:
1. Update disaster criteria so climate-driven marine events can trigger natural disaster funding. If it’s not recognised as a natural disaster, it can’t be declared as one.
2. Declare a natural disaster right now to unlock urgent funding for affected communities, scientists and small businesses.
3. Commit Federal support for long-term ocean health. This includes reef restoration, habitat rebuilding, and real climate adaptation strategies.
4. Set a strong 2035 climate target. Australia’s next climate target will shape our safety, economy and international standing for the next decade. We deserve a strong target that will protect us from escalating disasters.
ENDS
Interviewees available include:
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Local surf business owners and leaders
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Fisheries representatives
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SA marine researchers
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First Nations Elders
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State and Federal politicians
Raw footage/b-roll available for broadcast upon request. Stills attached.
Media contact: Ry Atkinson, Campaigns and Programs Director, Surfers for Climate, on 0423 270 124 or [email protected]
Film and campaign hub: https://surfersforclimate.org.au/pages/sea-sick