Canary in the Coorong: shedding light on toxic algae

Key points

• Scientists warn more monitoring is needed to predict toxic algal blooms in South Australia's Coorong. A 16-year study found over 80 phytoplankton species capable of producing toxins, with poor water management in the Murray Darling Basin risking the balance of the wetlands.
• The Coorong, a 140km-long protected wetland, is a key indicator of the basin's health.
• Researchers say funding gaps have left up to 10 years of data missing, with samples only taken every four months.