The State Government has today announced fee relief for commercial fishers, aquaculture and charter boat operators impacted by the algal bloom affecting South Australia’s coastline.
Announced today, affected licence holders will have fees waived immediately, and backdated from April.
An estimated $500,000 of initial relief will be provided to affected licence holders for fees from April to June 2025 including: PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture annual licence fees, Biosecurity SA Food Safety Scheme and audit fees and Aquaculture lease and licence fees.
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.
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. 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.
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.
If you are not a member of an association or represent yourself independently, you contact PIRSA directly via telephone 08 8207 5332, or email pirsa.fisheriesbusiness@sa.gov.au.
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 in financial assistance to help cover essential household expenses such as utilities, groceries, rates and medical costs.
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.
For more information visit pir.sa.gov.au/fee-relief.
