An unusual and alarming algal bloom has appeared along South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. First spotted in March, it has since rapidly expanded to an area larger than that of Kangaroo Island. This ecological disaster has been responsible for the deaths of more than 100,000 marine animals. They no longer litter the state’s beaches. If nothing else, the gravity of the state’s situation has forced the state government’s hand. They’ve committed an initial $500,000 relief package to help local fishers impacted by this ongoing crisis.
Filmmaking marine scientist Stefan Andrews recorded disturbing footage showing the underwater devastation along the Ardrossan jetty on Yorke Peninsula. His images show a jarring change in the water’s color and aquatic life. The current bloom is advancing at a rate of over 15km per day, threatening places such as Troubridge Point and metropolitan Adelaide. Local fishers, like Michael Pennington pictured here, are letting the fear of losing their livelihood and a healthy marine ecosystem shine through.
Scope of the Algal Bloom
The toxic algal bloom has since spread rapidly far beyond where it was first detected. It now stretches over a huge area from the Fleurieu Peninsula and up the Spencer Gulf to South Australia’s southern coastal fringes from Victor Harbor to Robe. The bloom has turned the water into a soup of “deep dark neon green.” It has recently appeared at sites such as West Lakes and the Port River, raising alarm bells among environmentalists and local communities.
Diving near Ardrossan, marine biologist Stefan Andrews said he had seen “hundreds, if not thousands” of dead fish carpeting the sea floor. He noted that the previously clear waters had taken on a startling new hue, a clear sign of ecological distress.
“As soon as I put my head in the water and got a couple of metres from the bottom, I could see dead fish everywhere,” – Stefan Andrews
The extent of the damage is alarming. Garfish and calamari have been completely wiped out. They’ve essentially been wiped out just prior to their breeding season, putting any local numbers in a terrible situation. Fishers are experiencing an acute downward shift in what seasonal catches used to be. The estimates indicate that the typical harvest from peak seasons of 9 to 12 tonnes of seafood yields have either decreased drastically or disappeared altogether.
Impact on Local Fisheries and Economies
Local commercial fisher Michael Pennington tosbemo@proton.me witnessed destruction of what he called a “totally wrecked” ocean floors where he usually fishes. This year’s persistent algal bloom has decimated calamari stocks, pushing the industry to worry about the future of their fishing viability.
“We’ve got no calamari here now and we’ve got no eggs, and all the bottom of the ocean is just completely destroyed and dead,” – Michael Pennington
Our fishermen brothers and sisters are dealing with environmental oppression and economic oppression. Pennington expressed his anguish at the prospect of losing out on ideal fishing weather. He warned of the ripple effect that this has on local businesses that rely on tourism and fishing.
“It’s pretty hard sitting at home on flat calm days where you should be at work and catching a few fish to put food on the table,” – Michael Pennington
Time is ticking, Pennington cautions, and the stakes could not be higher. Without a commitment to better environmental and maritime practices, we risk permanent damage to the bay’s fragile ecosystem and our local economy. In his testimony, he stressed the immediate need for assistance since so many of our fishermen are finding it financially impossible to weather this storm.
“We’ve got no help … and it’s getting to the point where we will see businesses shutting doors very shortly,” – Michael Pennington
Government Response and Future Considerations
In recognition of the crisis prematurely ending the fishery, Acting South Australian Premier Susan Close declared a $500,000 relief package to assist impacted fishers. This package waives both license and audit fees. It would provide some relief to people who have been financially impacted by this disruptive algal bloom. State and federal officials have said continued assistance will be needed, particularly as the bloom’s fate remains uncertain and unpredictable.
“But we recognise that depending on how this bloom goes, we may well have to look at further assistance,” – Acting SA Premier Susan Close
Andrews and Pennington’s calls for the government to declare this environmental crisis a national disaster underscore just how bad the situation has become. Andrews noted that if this kind of destruction was happening on land, people would be taking to the streets in protest.
“If this was happening on land … there would be really widespread uproar,” – Stefan Andrews
The long-term effects of this algal bloom are yet to be determined. Pennington shared his disappointment on how long it should take calamari fisheries in Gulf St Vincent to recover. He noted that these fisheries do not exist at the moment.
“I honestly do not know how many years this could take to get a calamari fishery back in Gulf St Vincent — it’s pretty well non-existent now,” – Michael Pennington
