'We're open', but tourists scared off by algal bloom
Tens of thousands of marine animals have been killed since an algal bloom was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia in March, and has since spread along some of the coastline.
Kevin Sweeney owns Reel Screamer Fishing Charters that operates from Port Turton in the Yorke Peninsula, west of where the outbreak erupted.
"I'm one of the busiest charter operators in the state but the phone isn't ringing," he told AAP.
Mr Sweeney said he is one of the lucky ones to have a second income as a commercial fisherman.
"A lot of the other businesses locally, they haven't got that luxury so it's devastating they just haven't got any income," he said.
There is no sign of the algal bloom in the water where Mr Sweeney operates but business has plummeted over two months when he is normally booked out until Easter.
Business is picking up again but he blames the lull on the bad publicity of the algal bloom that has been misinterpreted as affecting the entire South Australian coastline.
"The negativity in social media is the big killer at the moment stopping tourism," he said.
Mr Sweeney is concerned the algal bloom may spread to his side of the peninsula by summer but in the meantime, he wants to issue a clear message: he is open for business.
"Our waterways are quite healthy at the moment."
Tourism Industry Council of South Australia reported nearly 100 other businesses - including tour operators, accommodation and retail - have experienced a loss of income as a result of the bloom.
"The businesses are not impacted by the algal bloom at all ... but the perception is the coastline is impacted," chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said.
A recent survey by the tourism body showed a 40 per cent downturn in business conditions compared to the same period last year, with an average financial loss of $52,000.
Some businesses have already reported cancellations for the upcoming summer and many have been forced to shut up operations while tourism plummets.
Mr de Bruyn said the body has received reports that most of those cancelling trips are South Australians as opposed to interstate travellers.
"There isn't as much publicity interstate and overseas as to what is happening with the algal bloom," he said.
The state and federal governments recently announced a $28 million package to support affected businesses, undertake more research and clean up the beaches where thousands of dead marine animals have washed up.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he will visit impacted areas next week, promising to deal with long-term climate change impacts.
"This isn't something that's the fault of any government, it's something that is a consequence of those nutrients and those high water temperatures which are there," he told ABC News.
Environment Minister Murray Watt on Monday issued an apology to South Australians who felt the government's response was too slow.
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A devastating algal bloom is scaring tourists off but tourism operators say they are open for business as many companies are left thousands of dollars out of pocket. Tens of thousands of marine animals have been killed since an algal bloom was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia in March, and has since spread along some of the coastline. Kevin Sweeney owns Reel Screamer Fishing Charters that operates from Port Turton in the Yorke Peninsula, west of where the outbreak erupted. "I'm one of the busiest charter operators in the state but the phone isn't ringing," he told AAP. Mr Sweeney said he is one of the lucky ones to have a second income as a commercial fisherman. "A lot of the other businesses locally, they haven't got that luxury so it's devastating they just haven't got any income," he said. There is no sign of the algal bloom in the water where Mr Sweeney operates but business has plummeted over two months when he is normally booked out until Easter. Business is picking up again but he blames the lull on the bad publicity of the algal bloom that has been misinterpreted as affecting the entire South Australian coastline. "The negativity in social media is the big killer at the moment stopping tourism," he said. Mr Sweeney is concerned the algal bloom may spread to his side of the peninsula by summer but in the meantime, he wants to issue a clear message: he is open for business. "Our waterways are quite healthy at the moment." Tourism Industry Council of South Australia reported nearly 100 other businesses - including tour operators, accommodation and retail - have experienced a loss of income as a result of the bloom. "The businesses are not impacted by the algal bloom at all ... but the perception is the coastline is impacted," chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said. A recent survey by the tourism body showed a 40 per cent downturn in business conditions compared to the same period last year, with an average financial loss of $52,000. Some businesses have already reported cancellations for the upcoming summer and many have been forced to shut up operations while tourism plummets. Mr de Bruyn said the body has received reports that most of those cancelling trips are South Australians as opposed to interstate travellers. "There isn't as much publicity interstate and overseas as to what is happening with the algal bloom," he said. The state and federal governments recently announced a $28 million package to support affected businesses, undertake more research and clean up the beaches where thousands of dead marine animals have washed up. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he will visit impacted areas next week, promising to deal with long-term climate change impacts. "This isn't something that's the fault of any government, it's something that is a consequence of those nutrients and those high water temperatures which are there," he told ABC News. Environment Minister Murray Watt on Monday issued an apology to South Australians who felt the government's response was too slow.
