By Ashley Nickel,Editor

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Locals stunned after mountain of hazardous sea foam washes up on Port Noarlunga Beach, Adelaide

Sea foam has overtaken an Adelaide beach

READ MORE: Toxic algal bloom has turned a coastline into a ‘marine graveyard’

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 01:59 BST, 19 September 2025 | Updated: 02:31 BST, 19 September 2025

A mountain of hazardous sea foam that has washed up on a popular beach is threatening both public health and the safety of nearby waterways.

South Australian authorities warned residents around Port Noarlunga Beach, in Adelaide’s south, to monitor for symptoms including eye irritation and coughing after thick foam first started appearing in March.

This week, the advice was updated to urge those with asthma to carry their medication when visiting coastal regions.

The warning came as the foam overwhelmed shorelines and began creeping into the Onkaparinga River, where it could soon spread into inland waterways.

Social media has been flooded with photos of the foam, alongside images of dead sea life from the ongoing algal bloom on Australia’s south coast.

While the cause of the foam has not been pinpointed, locals have blamed the increased algae in the ocean.

Scientists warned exposure to large amounts of sea foam could cause health issues.

‘Most sea foam is not harmful to humans and is often an indication of a productive ocean ecosystem,’ Ocean Watch Australia said.

Port Noarlunga Beach (pictured) has been covered in sea foam this week

Beachgoers have been warned to stay away from the foamy water at Port Noarlunga Beach, which poses a health risk for those with asthma or other respiratory problems (pictured)

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‘But when large harmful algal blooms decay near shore, there are potential for impacts to human health and the environment.

‘During blooms, popping sea foam bubbles are one way that algal toxins become airborne.

‘The resulting aerosol can irritate the eyes of beachgoers and poses a health risk for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.’

Beachgoers should avoid swimming or surfing in foamy or discoloured water.

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Locals stunned after mountain of hazardous sea foam washes up on Port Noarlunga Beach, Adelaide

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