South Australia’s coastline is showing strong signs of recovery from the algal bloom first detected along South Coast beaches, with the State Government to scale back parts of its response from the 1st of May.
Latest monitoring shows the vast majority of testing sites across regions including the Southern Fleurieu and Coorong are recording zero or low levels of the Karenia algae, continuing a positive trend seen since early February. Of more than 110 sites tested in the week beginning the 19th of April, only one recorded elevated levels at Bickers Island on the southeast of the Eyre Peninsula.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said it’s encouraging to see conditions improve, but warns the risk has not disappeared.
“It is pleasing that the vast majority of South Australia’s coastline has recorded zero or low levels of Karenia for the past three months,” Premier Malinauskas said.
“However, the possibility of future blooms cannot be discounted and we must remain vigilant.”
From next month, daily beach inspections and clean-ups will wind back, with councils resuming normal management. Testing in low-risk areas will move to monthly, and algal bloom warning signs will begin to be removed where conditions remain stable.
The improved conditions have also led to changes for fishers. An increase in abundance of Blue Crab in Gulf St Vincent has allowed the removal of all restrictions.
A total closure will be implemented for Southern Calamari across both gulfs for commercial, recreational and charter boat fishing. A recreational and charter boat closure will also be implemented for Garfish in Gulf St Vincent, which is already subject to a commercial closure.
A spawning closure will be implemented for King George Whiting across both gulfs until the end of July July. Along with the spawning closure, recreational and charter boat fishing limits for the species in Spencer Gulf will return to 100 per cent from this Friday the 1st of May.
All other existing fishing restrictions will remain in place, subject to quarterly scientific reviews.
More than $160 million has been committed by state and federal governments to the response and recovery effort, including reef restoration, scientific monitoring and support for coastal communities impacted by the bloom.
