South Australian fishers are facing a significant economic crisis as a toxic algal bloom poses a serious threat to the seafood industry. Sales have plummeted due to public fears of contamination, prompting urgent appeals for the federal government to recognise the situation as a national disaster. Rod Ness, a commercial fisherman in Victor Harbor, expressed grave concerns about the industry’s future, noting that it is being severely affected.
The algal bloom, which has persisted for months, has shown little sign of receding, with Ness stating that attempts to manage weather changes merely circulate the bloom rather than eliminate it. At a recent state government meeting, the issue was highlighted as critical, with Ness reporting a staggering 70 per cent drop in sales at his fresh fish shop over the past three weeks.
Amidst this crisis, scientists have reached out to the federal government for funding to tackle the escalating problem but have received no support. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young pointed out that a national outcry would likely occur if dead marine life began washing up on more populous beaches, suggesting that the response to the crisis is inadequate compared to other environmental disasters.
So far, the federal government has resisted calls for a national disaster declaration. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen indicated a willingness to cooperate with various governmental bodies to combat climate-related issues but has not committed to immediate action regarding the algal bloom.
As the algal bloom continues to spread, the South Australian government may intensify pressure on the federal authorities to reassess their position. Meanwhile, fishers, like Ness, are increasingly frustrated with the lack of urgency from the federal level, highlighting the distress and hardship faced by many within the industry. Local fishers are urging decisive action to safeguard their livelihoods and restore consumer confidence in the safety of South Australian seafood.