The giant cuttlefish and the deadly algal bloom
Aug 13, 2025 •
When dead fish began washing up on South Australian beaches earlier this year, Dr Scott Bennett was alarmed.
Scott’s a marine ecologist at the University of Tasmania, and knew that dead fish on shore meant trouble under the surface.
On a dive in June, Scott came face-to-face with the devastating impact of the largest algal bloom Australia has ever seen.
The full impact still isn’t known – but some of Australia’s rarest and strangest animals could be wiped out entirely.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
The giant cuttlefish and the deadly algal bloom
1637 • Aug 13, 2025
The giant cuttlefish and the deadly algal bloom
When dead fish began washing up on South Australian beaches earlier this year, Dr Scott Bennett was alarmed.
Scott’s a marine ecologist at the University of Tasmania, and knew that dead fish on shore meant trouble under the surface.
On a dive in June, Scott came face-to-face with the devastating impact of the largest algal bloom Australia has ever seen.
The full impact still isn’t known – but some of Australia’s rarest and strangest animals could be wiped out entirely.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Marine ecologist Dr Scott Bennett
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Ruby Jones, Sarah McVeigh, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.