SA toxic algal bloom
Share this @internewscast.com

South Australian fishers are grappling with a severe economic downturn as the state’s toxic algal bloom threatens the local seafood industry. 

Decreasing sales, driven by consumer worries about contamination, have led to demands for the federal government to declare the algal bloom a national disaster.

Rod Ness, a commercial fisherman in Victor Harbor for three decades, expressed deep concern about the devastation facing the industry. 

SA toxic algal bloom
South Australian fishers are grappling with a severe economic downturn as the state’s toxic algal bloom threatens the local seafood industry. (9News)

“It’s a massive part of the foundation of the state. And it’s being ripped to pieces,” Ness said.

The crisis was a central topic at an urgent meeting hosted by the state government. 

“The public is scared of… eating fish. And our sales at our fresh fish shop have dropped 70 per cent in the last three weeks,” Ness said. 

The algal bloom, which has been spreading for months, is showing no signs of abating. 

“Now that it’s here, it’s going to be hard to get rid of,” Ness said. 

“And while we’ve seen a lot of weather changes, a lot of that has just pushed the bloom around, instead of getting rid of it.”

SA toxic algal bloom
Rod Ness, a commercial fisherman in Victor Harbor for three decades, expressed deep concern about the devastation facing the industry.  (9News)

There are reports scientists wrote to the federal government seeking funding to deal with the worsening problem but were knocked back.

“If dead fish and marine life were consistently washing ashore on Bondi Beach or Sydney’s North Shore, there would be a national uproar,” stated Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

The federal government has so far resisted calls to declare the situation a national disaster.

“Although I haven’t officially received the request, I would review it thoroughly. We are committed to collaborating with all levels of government to increasingly address the effects of climate change,” said Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen.

SA toxic algal bloom
The state government says it may increase pressure on the Commonwealth to reconsider its position if the bloom continues to spread.  (9News)

The state government says it may increase pressure on the Commonwealth to reconsider its position if the bloom continues to spread. 

Ness voiced his frustration with the federal response. 

“I’m questioning them not jumping at the chance to call it a national disaster,” he said. 

“I know a lot of fishermen from a lot of various areas that are very stressed out and doing it pretty hard.”

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Millions of Australians are expecting an inheritance and feel dependent on the windfall to achieve major financial goals such as buying a house or retiring.

Many Australians depend on an inheritance to meet significant financial objectives

Many Australians are counting on an inheritance to help reach significant financial…
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims, a 68-year-old and a 67-year-old, were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at South Luangwa National Park (pictured)

British Tourist and Friend Tragically Killed by Elephant During Sunrise Safari Walk

A British tourist and her friend from New Zealand  were killed by a…
An elephant at South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Tragic Incident: Elephant Claims Lives of British and New Zealand Tourists

Two elderly female tourists in Zambia have been killed by an elephant…
Joshua Brown, 26, was arrested on May 12.

“Father’s Heartbreak: Discovers Son’s Interaction with Accused Childcare Predator”

Exclusive: A Melbourne father has shared his concerns after discovering his toddler…
More than 200 firefighters are struggling to tackle an out-of-control wildfire on Crete — Greece's largest island and a tourist hotspot — as authorities order mass evacuations.

Raging Wildfires in a Popular Greek Tourist Destination Lead to Mass Evacuations

Over 200 firefighters are battling an uncontrollable wildfire on Crete, Greece’s largest…
Rod Stewart has candidly opened up about how his split from his ex-wife Rachel Hunter (both pictured in 1998) 'tore him to shreds'

Rod Stewart, 80, Reflects on Heartbreaking Split from Ex-Wife Rachel Hunter, 55

Rod Stewart has candidly opened up about how his split from his…
A bold bid has been launched to bring US President Donald Trump to Queensland for next year's Quad leaders summit.

Premier’s Ambitious Proposal to Invite Donald Trump to Australian State

A bold bid has been launched to bring US President Donald Trump…
Pimpama crash

Teens Suspected of Driving Stolen Car at 180km/h on M1

Two teenagers have been arrested after allegedly stealing a car from a…
Putin and Trump discuss Iran and Ukraine in phone call, Kremlin says

Kremlin Reports: Putin and Trump Talk About Iran and Ukraine Over the Phone

In a discussion concerning Iran’s situation, Putin stressed the importance of addressing…
Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents have been among a strong smell since 2023, prompting council to enlist OPAM Consulting Director Philippe Najean to sniff out its origin.

Smelly Town Sees Progress After Expert Identifies Odor Source

Residents of Kalgoorlie-Boulder have had to deal with a persistent odor since…
The vertical stabilisers of Qantas planes at Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport, from the left: a Boeing B737-838 plane, registration VH-XZD; a Boeing B787-9 plane, registration VH-ZNE; and an Airbus A380-842 plane, registration VH-OQB. In the background on the left is a fourth Qantas plane, a Boeing B737-838, registration VH-XZH. In the far background is the international terminal.  In the foreground are navigational light structures at the northern end of the runway.  This image was taken from Nig

Qantas Is Sending an Important Email to Six Million Australians: Here’s What to Expect

Qantas customers can expect to receive details on what data was stolen…

How Can Antarctica Be Shielded from the Impact of Increasing Tourism?

The surge in tourists visiting Antarctica has been remarkable. From less than…