Since South Australia’s toxic algal bloom started to kill millions of marine organisms in March 2025, the media has been filled with images of dead and suffering coasts, plants and animals.

There have been countless reports of people experiencing health effects and pets suffering symptoms, from wheezing to gastrointestinal problems.

The bloom has been described by First Nations communities as “a profound cultural wound”. And it has continued for more than a year, ebbing and flowing in severity.

Even if people in SA avoid the beach, it is impossible to avoid the violence of the bloom. Distressing images are everywhere on social media and news feeds, with stories emphasising death, damage and human powerlessness. While there’s no easy fix for the bloom itself, addressing this unnecessary suffering is possible.

How media covers death and destruction in nature

This year, the ABC broadcast two investigations with upsetting content. One was about women’s health and the other an ecological disaster. Both episodes featured multiple scientific experts and tackled distressing material. One gave good warnings about upsetting content. The other did not. Comparing them illuminates an opportunity for positive change.

The........

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