The Albanese Government will invest up to AUD$14 million (USD $9.12) to support the South Australian Government’s efforts to combat the effects of the devastating algal bloom that reports say have killed nearly 14,000 sea creatures.
Caused by factors such as excess runoff of nutrients from agricultural run-off, sewerage and stormwater and exacerbated by warming seas, algal blooms can emit toxins that are fatal to sea creatures. It can also deplete the oxygen supply. As the oceans warm from climate change, algal blooms have become a bigger and bigger problem. The $9.12 million contributed by Albany can be seen as an example of the financial cost of climate change.
The federal funding delivers on a request received from the South Australian Government and focuses on four priority areas: science and research, business assistance, community awareness and support, and clean up efforts.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said the Albanese Government is continuing to work closely with the South Australian Government to support fishers and aquaculture operators impacted by this devastating algal bloom.
“Immediate assistance is available to fishers and aquaculture operators experiencing financial hardship, including through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which can provide free and confidential financial counselling,” she said.
“The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation has recently invested in a new project to isolate the culture of the particular algae species currently affecting South Australia to better understand the toxic effects, develop rapid early-warning and detection methods and examine the toxin threats to seafood production.”
