SA seafood still safe for purchase during algal bloom, producers say

Australia Broadcast Center

2 days ago

South Australian seafood producers in areas not impacted by the algal bloom are calling on customers to keep supporting the local industry.
The widespread harmful algal bloom in Gulf St Vincent and parts of the Spencer Gulf is having a major effect on fishing industries in some of those areas.
To the south-east, along the Limestone Coast, waters have not been affected by the bloom, but there are concerns about how it may impact the state's reputation and sales.
"Ninety per cent of what we do down here is exported internationally, and it's sourced from an area that's not affected by the algal bloom," said Tom Ryan, who works in the seafood industry at Port MacDonnell.
"But in Adelaide I have heard of people that have been affected because there's been misinterpretations of where the seafood's sourced.
"There's been people where their business and turnover has slowed down because people assume the seafood comes from affected areas, when in fact it's actually come from areas that haven't been impacted whatsoever.
On the Limestone Coast, the lucrative rock lobster industry has just emerged from a difficult period due to COVID and a ban on exports to China.
Andrew Lawrie has been exporting lobsters from Robe since 1997, and said the past few years had been fairly trying.
"The domestic market's been really good," he said.
"They've supported industry through the three or four years we could not export."
With the lobster industry currently in its off season, Mr Lawrie said he hoped the state government could "get it under control before it spreads too far" towards the south east.
"Our industry with the lobsters is substantial – we can't afford to risk that," he said.
"The tuna industry would be very concerned, but hopefully they're almost through their harvesting now, so then they can change their strategies if it does move in.
Depending on where and how severely the bloom impacts other parts of the state, however, economic losses could be high.
BDO economist Anders Magnusson said in certain parts of SA, lost production could cost millions.
"The production [of seafood in SA] is close to $500 million," he said.
"Definitely there are locations where if they're affected there's tens of millions of dollars to be lost."
As part of a $28 million support package from the state and federal governments, grants of up to $100,000 for affected commercial fisheries and licence holders have been made available.
SA Environment and Water Minister Susan Close said it was important to get the message out that seafood from South Australia was safe to consume.
"In fact if you wanted to help people through this bloom, go holiday by the coast and buy seafood that is South Australian," she said.
"That's the best thing you can do."