/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/harmful-algal-bloom-and-human-wellbeing-impact The harmful algal bloom (HAB) affecting our coastal waters in recent months is more than an environmental problem, it’s a public health, economic, and community wellbeing crisis. Its effects are rippling through coastal communities, disrupting livelihoods in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism while posing direct threats to physical health, from respiratory irritation to eye and skin discomfort. Hear what our Environment Institute members have said.  August 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/harmful-algal-bloom-and-human-wellbeing-impact /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/environment-institute-members-win-2025-young-tall-poppy-science-awards We’re proud to share that Environment Institute researchers Dr Georgina Falster and Dr Nina Wootton have been recognised with South Australia’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards! Dr Falster studies how Australian droughts are changing by tracing shifts in the water cycle using climate data and isotopes. Dr Wootton investigates the impacts of plastic pollution on seafood species and works with industry to drive sustainable change. August 5 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/environment-institute-members-win-2025-young-tall-poppy-science-awards /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/local-action-the-key-to-the-murray-darling-basin-recovery The latest evaluation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is out, and the message is clear: fixing flows alone won’t fix the Basin. We need to restore the land itself. As co-author, Environment Institute member Professor Seth Westra highlights, we must go beyond water volumes and fix the land itself—rewetting wetlands, restoring floodplains, and supporting nature-based regeneration. August 2 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/local-action-the-key-to-the-murray-darling-basin-recovery /environment/news/list/2025/08/13/adelaides-shift-to-intense-downpours-and-rising-drought-risk New research led by Environment Institute member Assoc Prof Mark Thyer, with Prof Seth Westra and researchers from the Goyder Institute for Water Research, has revealed a major shift in our rainfall patterns. By analysing decades of weather station data, radar technology, and climate models, the team found Short, high-intensity downpours (10–60 minutes) are becoming more intense and annual rainfall is decreasing, raising the risk of drought. These shifts have big implications for flood preparedness and stormwater management. August 1 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/13/adelaides-shift-to-intense-downpours-and-rising-drought-risk /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/feral-rabbits-evolve-in-unexpected-ways What happens when domesticated rabbits go feral? They don't just revert to their wild form, they evolve new, unpredictable traits. A new study led by Environment Institute member Associate Professor Emma Sherratt reveals that feral rabbits develop distinct anatomical changes not seen in either wild or domestic populations. This groundbreaking work deepens our understanding of how invasive species adapt to novel environments and evolve over time. July 30 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/14/feral-rabbits-evolve-in-unexpected-ways /environment/news/list/2025/07/22/an-underwater-bushfire-sparks-urgent-calls-urgent-calls-for-action-in-south Environment Institute Members are at the forefront of the algal bloom crisis, with the federal government announcing $14 million funding packing to help South Australia. We are fortunate enough to house leading expert researchers that have been on the front foot to inform the media and government about about the impacts and implications of the agal bloom. July 22 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/22/an-underwater-bushfire-sparks-urgent-calls-urgent-calls-for-action-in-south /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/uncovering-the-truth-about-sea-snakes ABC’s brand new nature series 'Dr Ann’s Secret Lives' follows presenter Dr Ann as she ventures into the wild with leading scientists to uncover the fascinating and often hidden behaviours of some of the world’s most elusive creatures. In Episode 2, Dr Ann joins Associate Professor Kate Sanders, Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, and their team in Dampier Marine Park to explore the secret lives of these mysterious marine reptiles.   July 22 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/uncovering-the-truth-about-sea-snakes /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/nest-planting-day-success We’re proud to have supported the first event through NEST this past weekend, an inspiring day of hands-on conservation, community connection, and collaborative learning. Over 2000 rare and endangered plants were successfully planted across 16 properties, restoring swamps and riparian zones with the help of 35+ student and researcher volunteers and 30+ landholders.   July 21 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/05/nest-planting-day-success /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/tickets-now-available-for-the-international-symposium-on-green-urban-futures Registration is now open for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, taking place at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, on 3–4 December 2025. Presented by the Environment Institute, in partnership with Green Adelaide and Treenet, the symposium is chaired by Professor Veronica Soebarto, initiative lead of Green Urban Futures and Planetary Health at the Environment Institute. July 16 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/16/tickets-now-available-for-the-international-symposium-on-green-urban-futures /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 Australia and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation. July 15 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project