/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/09/02/south-australia-paving-the-way-to-reduce-plastic-pollution South �Ӱ�ֱ�� has become the first place in the world to ban single-use plastic soy sauce containers, marking a major step in the fight against plastic pollution. Dr Nina Wootton, Environment Institute member, welcomed the move, highlighting the dangers of “convenience packaging” that is too small to recycle effectively. She hops other �Ӱ�ֱ��n states will adopt similar bans, positioning South �Ӱ�ֱ�� as a global leader in tackling single-use plastics. September 02 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/02/south-australia-paving-the-way-to-reduce-plastic-pollution /environment/news/list/2025/08/20/oyster-reef-restoration-your-chance-to-contribute Oyster reef restoration is looking like the answer we need to combat the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), and now you have the chance to help. Environment Institute Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee recently spoke with ABC Radio Adelaide to discuss this great initiative in partnership with OzFish Adelaide Chapter, and how volunteering to make oyster baskets will help the Port River flourish once again. August 20 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/20/oyster-reef-restoration-your-chance-to-contribute /environment/news/list/2025/08/19/steps-to-clean-up-the-algal-bloom-1 Around 30% of SA’s coastline is being impacted by a harmful algal bloom driven by heatwaves, nutrient run-off, and upwelling events. According to Environment Institute members Dr Dominic McAfee and Prof Sean Connell, the bloom is far too widespread for large-scale chemical, physical, or microbial trials. Instead, prevention and resilience are key. Oysters in affected areas are feeding on algae, mussels are cleared of toxins, and SA has committed to restoring 15 hectares of shellfish reefs. As climate change fuels more marine heatwaves and floods, HABs will return. Investing in oyster reef restoration and nature-based solutions could future-proof our coasts. August 19 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/19/steps-to-clean-up-the-algal-bloom-1 /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project The Koonamore Project based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in �Ӱ�ֱ�� and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in �Ӱ�ֱ��n arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation. July 15 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project /environment/news/list/2025/07/09/how-south-australias-algal-bloom-is-threatening-marine-life-and-public-health Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South �Ӱ�ֱ��'s coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee described the event as an “underwater bushfire,” urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities. July 09 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/09/how-south-australias-algal-bloom-is-threatening-marine-life-and-public-health /environment/news/list/2025/04/23/south-australian-biodiversity-under-threat-from-ongoing-drought-crisis Three Environment Institute members have featured in The Guardian, shedding light on how South �Ӱ�ֱ��’s historic dry spell is impacting ecosystems. Dr Stefan Caddy-Retalic spoke on widespread tree dieback across the Adelaide Hills, Dr Jess Marsh raised alarms for the critically endangered Kangaroo Island assassin spider, and Dr Katja Hogendoorn warned of a looming collapse in native bee populations. April 25 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/04/23/south-australian-biodiversity-under-threat-from-ongoing-drought-crisis /environment/news/list/2025/01/15/sprigg-ediacaran-fossil-collection-recognised-by-the-international-commission Diego García-Bellido Capdevila of the �Ӱ�ֱ�� of Adelaide’s Environment Institute was key to securing global recognition for the Sprigg Ediacaran fossil collection. Now among the top 11 geological collections worldwide, it offers vital insights into the origins of complex life on Earth. January 15 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/01/15/sprigg-ediacaran-fossil-collection-recognised-by-the-international-commission /environment/news/list/2024/10/24/what-do-new-draft-guidelines-for-forever-chemicals-mean-for-australias The �Ӱ�ֱ��n National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released draft guidelines for acceptable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. October 24 2024 admin /environment/news/list/2024/10/24/what-do-new-draft-guidelines-for-forever-chemicals-mean-for-australias /environment/news/list/2024/10/23/exciting-research-on-crop-topping-pulses-in-south-australia Researchers from the �Ӱ�ֱ�� of Adelaide, led by Jenna Malone, and supported by the South �Ӱ�ֱ��n Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT), are embarking on critical trials to investigate reduced rates of paraquat for crop topping lentils and faba beans. October 23 2024 admin /environment/news/list/2024/10/23/exciting-research-on-crop-topping-pulses-in-south-australia /environment/news/list/2024/08/28/the-bunker-dilemma-navigating-safety-in-bushfire-prone-regions As bushfire seasons intensify across �Ӱ�ֱ��, the discussion surrounding safety measures for residents in high-risk areas becomes increasingly critical. August 28 2024 admin /environment/news/list/2024/08/28/the-bunker-dilemma-navigating-safety-in-bushfire-prone-regions