Commercial fishers, aquaculture operators and charter boat businesses impacted by the algal bloom along SA’s coastline will receive immediate, backdated fee relief from the State Government.
The significantly harmful algal bloom, caused by the species Karenia mikimotoi, has been impacting large areas of South Australia’s coastline since March, with widespread marine mortalities and disruption to commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.
Some operators 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. Charter boat operations and fisheries around the River Murray mouth and Lakes and Coorong have been impacted to varying degrees.
On Friday, the State Government hosted a forum with key stakeholders affected by the algal bloom and a number raised fee relief as a State Government measure which could provide immediate help.
In recognition of the ongoing impact, the State Government is offering an initial relief package to affected licence holders to waive fees from April to June 2025, which will equate to an estimated $500,000 worth of fee relief.
Chairperson, South Australian Professional Fishers Association, Ben Barnes, welcomed the announcement and said the support recognises the severe and sustained disruption the industry has faced over recent months.
“Waiving licence and associated fees during this period is a practical and appreciated step that will help ease financial pressure while operators work to recover from the impacts of this natural event,” he said.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close, said the State Government would continue to work with the fishing and tourism industries to support them through this difficult time and continue to look at research and recovery investment options.
Impacted licence holders are encouraged to work with their industry association to access the fee relief process. Industry associations are compiling claims and submitting them to PIRSA for assessment.
Support is also available for licence holders facing financial hardship through the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and the Family and Business Support (FaBS) Program. These services provide financial counselling and wellbeing support for primary producers experiencing hardship.
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