Climate-driven ecological events, such as harmful algal blooms, are increasingly disrupting marine-dependent industries. However, the full social, economic, and operational impacts on frontline actors, and their capacity to adapt and respond to such events, remain poorly understood. This study investigates the experiences of dive operators in South Australia during a prolonged and ongoing harmful algal bloom (HAB) through a series of semi-structured interviews with operators and staff, pre- and post-peak season surveys, and participant observation across key dive tourism areas. By integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study captures both lived experiences and measurable changes in business operations, wellbeing, and adaptive responses. Results indicate sustained financial and emotional disruption, alongside significant gaps between frontline needs and existing disaster support frameworks, ecological monitoring systems, and policy responses. These findings highlight a critical disconnect between environmental management systems and on-the-ground realities. Dive operators and other frontline actors represent an underutilised source of real-time environmental insight and adaptive capacity. Embedding these perspectives into monitoring, communication, and policy frameworks could significantly enhance the timeliness, effectiveness, and social relevance of HAB response strategies in the future.