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A significant harmful algal bloom, caused by the species Karenia mikimotoi, has been impacting large areas of South Australia’s coastline since March 2025. The naturally occurring algal bloom has caused widespread marine mortalities and disruption to commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.
The Malinauskas Government recently hosted a forum with key stakeholders affected by the algal bloom and a number raised fee relief as a State Government measure that could provide immediate help. In recognition of the ongoing impact, an initial offering of a relief package to affected licence holders to waive fees from April to June 2025, which will equate to an estimated 500,000 AUD (€281,000) worth of fee relief.
Eligible fees for relief consideration include:
- PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture annual licence fees
- Biosecurity SA Food Safety Scheme and audit fees
- Aquaculture lease and licence fees
‘’The algal bloom has persisted in South Australian waters for longer than anticipated, leading to ongoing disruptions to our commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations. 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,’’ said Clare Scriven, minister for primary industries and regional development, in a press release.
Some operators in the marine scalefish fishery have experienced declines in catch and economic viability, particularly in Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island and the Yorke Peninsula. Some oyster growers and pipi harvesters have also been affected.
Support process and additional assistance
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will continue working with the Marine Fishers Association (MFA), the South Australian Professional Fishers Association (SAPFA) and the South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) to assess the scale of the impact and target support.
Impacted licence holders are encouraged by the government to work with their industry association to access the fee relief process. Industry associations are compiling claims and submitting them to PIRSA for assessment.
Fisheries and aquaculture licence holders facing financial hardship due to the algal bloom are eligible for the South Australian Government Rural Support Grant, administered by the RBS Relief Fund, where individuals can receive up to 1,500 AUD (€840) in financial assistance to help cover essential household expenses such as utilities, groceries, rates and medical costs.
‘’While we continue to assess the ongoing impacts of this event, we will continue to work closely with the government to ensure our state's world class seafood remains on South Australian dinner tables and in restaurants,’’ said Pat Tripodi, executive officer at the Marine Fishers Association.
