Call for disaster support as toxic algal bloom set to further devastate SA marine wildlife, industry

Pressure is mounting on the Albanese Government to declare a national disaster and fund a response as a marine catastrophe caused by toxic algal bloom continues to devastate South Australia.

As the state’s coastline remains gripped by the disaster, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will this week go on a four-country sojourn through the Pacific to strengthen Australia’s case for hosting the COP31 climate conference next year in South Australia.

The Greens have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to take the lead to respond to a deadly bloom of Karenia mikimotoi algae, which has already killed tens of thousands of dolphins, rays, sharks, penguins and other marine life.

Fuelled by above-average sea temperatures, the bloom has expanded towards the coastline, encroaching onto popular beaches and impacting industry.

A group of marine scientists and experts first approached former environment minister Tanya Plibersek last October when a marine heatwave was first detected in SA’s waters, requesting $40 million over 10 years to mitigate what they initially feared would become a catastrophic event. They renewed their plea to new minister Murray Watt in late May.

Greens environment spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young on Monday said it was time for the Federal Government to step up.

“I have written to the Prime Minister because South Australians cannot be left to deal with this environmental disaster on our own,” she said.

“If there were dead fish washing up on Bondi Beach every day, there would be a national outcry and response. South Australians deserve the same support from our federal government that east coast states would demand.

“A declaration of a national disaster is important to ensure that there are significant resources available to conduct the science that is desperately needed and support the communities and industries that are bearing the brunt of this crisis.

“Our fishing and tourism industries are being decimated by this disaster. The scientists tell us that we could be facing another 18 months with this toxic algal bloom. To protect our important industries we need a proper support package.”

The South Australian Government is leading the response to the algal bloom, and a federal government spokesperson said it was “closely monitoring” the situation and was “deeply concerned by the widespread marine species’ mortalities caused by this extreme event”.

“Federal agencies continue to work closely with relevant state agencies — who are leading the response in managing and monitoring coastal waters — to remain informed and engaged on these critical issues,” they said.

“The health and resilience of Australia’s ocean is a high priority for the Albanese Government.”

Senator Hanson-Young said if the Government wanted to be taken seriously on climate change action, they should start with responding to the algal bloom with urgency.

Her plea comes ahead of Mr Bowen’s visit this week to Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands where he will hold high-level talks with leaders and counterparts to “reinforce the Government’s commitment to practical climate action and progress discussions on our bid to host COP31 in 2026”.

The joint Australia-Pacific Islands bid to host the annual conference of the parties has been stalled by Turkiye’s rival request.

“It makes sense that the world’s biggest climate conference should be hosted by the region facing some of the world’s biggest climate impacts,” Mr Bowen said on Monday.

“Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid for COP31 is about ensuring that the region’s voice shapes global climate action for the benefit of the Australian and Pacific people.

“I look forward to deepening our cooperation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026.”

Shadow environment minister Angie Bell said the unfolding disaster in SA was a “real test of whether the Government is prepared to move from slogans to substance”.

“We stand ready to work constructively with the Government on practical, science-backed measures that will deliver real environmental outcomes,” she said, and urged the Government to grant the scientists’ request for research funding to prevent future disasters.