Frustrated marine scientists have asked the South Australian Labor government to lobby its federal counterpart for funds so they can gauge the extent of the algal bloom ravaging the state’s coastal waters.

The scientists approached the state government on Friday after federal Environment Minister Murray Watt continued to insist the catastrophe was primarily an issue for the state government. He has previously refused to meet the scientists or grant their request for funds so they can establish a monitoring program and explore options to mitigate the crisis.