Reflections of World Water Day 2025

Over the weekend Environment Institute member, Dr Nina Wootton and Advisory board member Tim Jarvis AM, environmental scientist and 2024 South Australian of the Year, spoke on ABC Radio Adelaide for UN World Water Day discussing the state of South Australia's coastal waters. Hosted by Deb Tribe, the segment opened with a simple but powerful question: Have you noticed changes in our beaches, waters, or marine life over recent years?

From warming seas and microplastic pollution to the rise in algal blooms along our coastline, the conversation tackled the complex pressures facing our marine ecosystems. Dr Wootton, a marine biologist at the University of Adelaide, shared insights into how climate change and plastic waste are disrupting marine life, down to the cellular level.

Despite the challenges, both Dr Wootton and Tim Jarvis offered hope. South Australia remains home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches and strong environmental protections.

• Some of the lowest levels of microplastics globally
• Strong recreational and commercial fishing policies
• Healthy fish stocks compared to international trends
• Ongoing community interest and public engagement in marine conservation

As Dr Wootton put it, “We’re in a lucky spot, but we have to keep looking after it.”

Tim raised grave concerns over glacial melting, which is this year’s theme for World Water Day, linking it directly to sea-level rise and global climate disruption.

Click the audio below to listen to Dr Nina Wootton's full interview.
 

To learn more about the work of Tim Jarvis AM, click here.