Algal bloom killing marine life in South Australia is 'disaster', premier says

The catastrophe has turned South Australian waters toxic green and suffocated masses of marine life.

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The algal bloom - a rapid increase in the population of algae in water systems – has been spreading since March and is now twice the size of the country's capital territory.

The federal government has unveiled an assistance package of A$14m ($9m; £6.7m) but refused to designate the event a natural disaster - a term usually used for cyclones, floods and bushfires and which would trigger a greater response.

Authorities say more than 400 species of marine life have died and local industries are suffering.

Algal bloom is naturally occurring but is caused by ocean warming, marine heatwaves, and nutrient pollution - all a direct result of climate change.