The South Australian Government has announced it will provide $500,000 in immediate, backdated fee relief for commercial fishers, aquaculture and charter boat operators impacted by the algal bloom affecting South Australia’s coastline.
A significant harmful algal bloom, caused by the species Karenia mikimotoi, has been impacting large areas of South Australia’s coastline since March. 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.
“The State Government has been meeting with commercial fishers and tourism operators to better understand the impacts harmful Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom has had on their businesses,” said Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close.
“As well as today’s fee relief, the State Government continues to explore research priorities and industry supports so we can help to mitigate future outbreaks and the effect it has on industry.
“We will 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.”
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.
The 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.
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 Minister said 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 to work with their industry association to access the fee relief process. Industry associations are compiling claims and submitting them to PIRSA for assessment.
“We welcome the Malinauskas Government’s announcement of fee relief for commercial fishers impacted by the ongoing algal bloom,” said South Australian Professional Fishers Association chairperson, Ben Barnes.
“This support recognises the severe and sustained disruption our fishers have faced over recent months, with many experiencing reduced catches, lost income, and long-term uncertainty.
“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.”
Marine Fishers Association executive officer, Pat Tripodi said the algal bloom was an unprecedented event impacting the state’s fishing industry.
“We’ve been in regular communication with PIRSA on the needs of our marine scale licence holders, and we are pleased the government is acting to assist impacted fishers,” said Mr Tripodi.
“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.”
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. These services provide financial counselling and wellbeing support for primary producers experiencing hardship.
If you are not a member of an association or represent yourself independently, you can contact PIRSA directly via telephone 08 8207 5332, or email pirsa.fisheriesbusiness@sa.gov.au. For more information visit pir.sa.gov.au/fee-relief.
