Opposition calls on government to fund Royal Commission into SA’s algal bloom crisis

As dead sea life piles up on SA shores, the Opposition is calling for urgent measures to save the state’s marine industry from the worsening algal bloom crisis.

The Liberals are calling for government funding for an independent Royal Commission to examine the impacts of the toxic algal bloom crisis on the state’s marine industry.

It comes after a dead dolphin and at least 10 sharks washed up on Carrickalinga Beach this week.

Underwater video from Ardrossan Jetty shows the algal bloom’s devastating impact, with the ocean floor littered with decay and dead marine life.

The footage, captured by marine scientist Stefan Andrews on Thursday, shows the stark difference between May’s vibrant ecosystem and today’s wasteland.

“There were so many dead fish on the bottom, many of them garfish,” he said.

“There were lots of other species dying too like abalone and stingray.

“Sponges and invertebrate life were also dying away.”

The Liberals are calling for an independent Royal Commission to examine the impacts of the toxic algal bloom crisis on the state’s marine industry. Picture: Supplied

Opposition leader Vincent Tarzia said urgent action and funding was needed from Government to address the environmental disaster.

“This is about doing all we can collectively to ensure we understand the full impact of this disaster and what actions we can take to help the affected industries,” he said.

“The experience of similar incidents around the world shows that it could be several years before our fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries recover from the enormity of the algal bloom event.”

Footage captured this week at Ardrossan, Yorke Peninsula, reveals more underwater impacts of SA's Harmful Algal Bloom. Picture: Great Southern Reef Foundation/Facebook

"With neon green water, the seabed was littered with dead and dying animals" explained GSRF co-founder Stefan Andrews. Picture: Great Southern Reef Foundation/Facebook

He said the Royal Commission would review marine monitoring, examine health and economic impacts, and develop prevention and response measures for future algal blooms.

Mr Andrews, who is the co-founder of Great Southern Reef Foundation, said more support was needed to mobilise scientists and researchers as the bloom spreads towards the Spencer Gulf.

“This is a national crisis and needs to be treated that way,” he said.

“There’s so many incredible reefs and marine life on The Gulf- there’s too much to lose.

“The time is now to get divers in the water, get the researchers the funds they need so we can maximise our learning now because it’s likely to happen again and in other places.

The algal bloom is spreading throughout the state. Here it is pictured along Kangaroo Island’s north coast. Picture: RAD KI

This week the state government announced a $500,000 relief package to compensate licence fees for commercial fishermen affected by the algal bloom from April to June.

This will affect licence costs for fishers around The Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island and the Yorke Peninsula.

But Shadow Primary Industries Minister Dr Nicola Centofanti said license fees should be waived beyond June.

“When boats can’t go out and catches can’t be made, it really is unjustified to expect businesses to pay fees that are normally based on active commercial use,” she said.

Acting Premier Susan Close said the State Government’s focus was “providing practical support” to businesses.

“The Government continues to work with commercial fishers, tourism operators and councils to support them through this difficult time and to look at research and recovery investment options,” she said.

“The Commonwealth Government is being kept informed and its assistance will likely be sought to fund some measures.”