The Federal Government has announced $14 million to assist with the effects of a toxic algal bloom on South Australia’s coastline — which has killed around 14,000 animals since March.
It follows calls from environmental experts and the Greens to declare a natural disaster in the region.
However, Environment Minister Murray Watt stopped short of declaring a natural disaster, saying it didn’t fit the official definition.
The SA Government has now matched Watt’s pledge, signing off on a $28 million support package on Tuesday.
Algal bloom
Algae are a group of marine plants that grow in the sea and in freshwater. They are a key source of food for many aquatic animals.
When algae grow out of control, often triggered by warmer ocean temperatures, some species release harmful toxins into waterways.
Non-toxic algal blooms are also a threat to marine life. They consume large amounts of oxygen and can essentially suffocate other species. Non-toxic algae can harm fish by clogging their gills as well.
SA crisis
Water temperatures started spiking in South Australia around September last year, recorded at around 2.5°C warmer than normal.
The SA state environment agency has suggested increased temperatures, combined with additional nutrients in the sea washed in from river flooding two years ago, caused the bloom.
Thousands of fish, rays, and sharks have washed up dead along the state’s shoreline. The Biodiversity Council estimates more than 430 species of marine animals have been killed in the bloom.
Govt response
Environment Minister Murray Watt visited SA on Monday to survey the damage.
He announced $14 million in federal funding to help address the marine crisis, which he described as an “extreme event”.
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The funding will go towards research, community support, cleaning up dead marine life, and helping businesses affected by the bloom such as fishers.
It’s since been matched by a further $14 million pledged by the SA state Government.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has called the event a natural disaster.
A formal declaration would enable extra funds and resources to flow to state authorities.
Watt told reporters the algal bloom didn’t meet a strict definition to unlock natural disaster aid, but said the event was “very serious”.
He didn’t rule out adjusting the definition in future. It currently covers events including bushfires, cyclones, and floods.
Reaction
Environmental experts are calling for the Government to take greater steps towards addressing the bloom, including issuing an official disaster declaration.
University of Melbourne Associate Professor John Morrongiello said the bloom has “wreaked havoc on the region’s marine ecosystem,” affecting fisheries and aquaculture industries.
“This could very well be considered a national disaster,” Morrongiello said.
Greens environmental spokesperson and SA Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for a “rescue package” comparable to the Government’s COVID-19 response.
“This is an environmental catastrophe, an economic calamity and increasingly a community health emergency,” she said
Shadow Environment Minister Angie Bell is pushing for extra funding to go towards scientific monitoring of the bloom.
She criticised Watt’s delay in visiting affected areas, telling the ABC it took him “too long” to visit SA.
