Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young writes to PM for algae bloom disaster declaration

There are calls for a national disaster to be declared as a toxic find in one state’s waters causes dead animals to wash up on shores and beachgoers to feel sick.

The Greens are demanding a national response to the rolling waves of toxic algae bloom washing up along South Australia’s coastline, calling on Anthony Albanese to declare the event a national disaster.

On Monday, Greens senator Sarah Hanson Young, from South Australia, said she had written to the Prime Minister for more support to address the unfolding environmental catastrophe, which has killed and polluted marine wildlife and produced discoloured water and foam along vast stretches of the state.

“For months, the coastline in South Australia has been under attack by a toxic algal bloom,” she said.

“So far, most of the response has been led by the local community without any formal government support.

“I have written to the Prime Minister because South Australians cannot be left to deal with this environmental disaster on our own.

“If there were dead fish washing up on Bondi Beach every day, there would be a national outcry and response.

“South Australians deserve the same support from our federal government that east coast states would demand.”

The toxic algae bloom is killing marine wildlife along South Australia’s coastline. Picture: Supplied

Scientists believe the bloom has been caused by a marine heatwave. Picture: Supplied

The toxic bloom was likely caused by three interconnected factors, the South Australian Department for Environment and Water said.

First, a marine heatwave, starting in September 2024, has warmed sea temperatures about 2.5C more than normal.

Second, the 2022-23 River Murray floods washed extra nutrients into the sea, and third, a cold water upwelling in the summer of 2023-24 pulled nutrient-rich water to the surface.

The bloom could last for months, the department warned.

It does not cause long-term harm to humans, though it can cause short-term skin or eye irritation, but it is having a devastating economic impact on the state’s $500m fisheries industry.

Senator Hanson-Young wants state and federal inquiries into the phenomenon and a federal support package to alleviate losses.

South Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young is calling for a national support package to help affected industries. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Our tourism industry is already reporting mass cancellations because of people deciding not to travel and stay on the South Australian coast,” she said.

“Our industries are being crippled by this climate crisis. They need support from the government and they need it now.”

Senator Hanson-Young also took aim at the “fossil fuel industry” and argued it was responsible for the bloom.

“The climate crisis is here and it is here before our very eyes and it is creating an environmental catastrophe,” she said.

“What we need is to stop making the problem worse and to start investing in mitigation and adaptation strategies.

“Sitting on our hands and hoping it will all just wash away is not realistic.

“That’s why we need a federal and state push for an inquiry … and we need to make sure there is support for industry who are going to have to struggle while this bloom sticks around.”

The Coalition has flagged its support for a parliamentary inquiry into the event.

A federal government spokeswoman told NewsWire on Monday afternoon the government was “closely monitoring” the event.

“We are deeply concerned by the widespread marine species mortalities caused by this extreme event,” the spokeswoman said.

Queensland Senator Murray Watt is the federal environment minister. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Federal agencies continue to work closely with relevant state agencies, who are leading the response in managing and monitoring coastal waters, to remain informed and engaged on these critical issues.

“Our Government will continue to find ways to support those efforts.”

The spokeswoman said the government was investing in tools to improve the country’s ability to “predict climatic events, monitor ocean conditions and guide decision-making”.

“These include the Bureau of Meteorology’s Ocean Temperature Outlooks, the Integrated Marine Observing System and the Environment Information Australia Portal,” the spokeswoman said.

On Tuesday, the South Australian government announced an initial tranche of support for impacted businesses, waiving fees on affected license holders from April to June.

The fee relief equates to about $500,000.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven indicated more support could be on the way.

“We have been working with the relevant industry associations to assess the appropriate relief options and will continue to engage with them to ensure the fee relief reaches those facing hardship due to the algal bloom,” she said.

“South Australia’s commercial fisheries, aquaculture and charter boat sectors are important contributors to the state’s economy, and we want to ensure they are supported through this challenging time.”

Originally published as Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young writes to PM for algae bloom disaster declaration