As the toxic algal bloom worsened, we soon saw creatures without gills being affected - mammals (seals, dolphins, water-rats, whales); and birds. Not only were shorebirds affected, but also terrestrial birds such as the galah pictured here. Seagulls in particular were frequently seen feasting on dead fish flesh, a possible mechanism in their demise. However we soon learnt that the winter part of the problem was due to a highly toxic and obscure phytoplankton called Karenia Cristata, which produced harmful neurotoxins such as brevetoxins. These could remain in the water even after the cells disappeared, and could also become airborne on windy days. These aerosols could have killed some birds, and they were also causing eye irritation, runny noses, sore throats and asthma in some humans.