Oyster industry appeals for seafood lovers to return as toxic algae scares off customers
The rare toxic algae outbreak plaguing South Australian beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula has had a knock-on effect on the state's $60 million oyster industry.
Farms at Coffin Bay and Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula, and farms on the West Coast at Streaky Bay, Smoky Bay and Denial Bay are all seeing a downturn in customers even though they remain unaffected by the algae.
The South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) said in a media release that oysters harvested from unaffected areas across the state are safe to eat, with only a handful of oyster farms temporarily closed due to a separate brevetoxin bloom — not linked to the micro-algae karenia mikimotoi bloom.
SAOGA chairperson Peter Treloar said the industry has been working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) following the closure of a handful of oyster farms.
'We have been working closely with PIRSA and give our full support to a precautionary closure of nine oyster farms in the confined growing regions of Stansbury, American River and Port Vincent,' he said.
'South Australian oyster growers remain compliant with strict government food safety standards which are heavily monitored on an ongoing basis to not only protect consumers but the product as well.
'All oysters harvested and sold commercially in SA undergo rigorous testing and quality control to meet national food safety standards.
'Consumers can be assured our growers take food safety very seriously and work closely with reputable suppliers who source from monitored regions.'
The micro-algae karenia mikimotoi is causing the seafoam affecting beaches across the Fleurieu Peninsula as South Australian waters remain unseasonably warm.
The foam — likened by some to the froth on a milkshake — and its effects were first noticed by surfers at Waitpinga, about 100km from Adelaide, on March 15, with the EPA reporting the algae has since been found on beaches from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay.
Beachgoers and swimmers along the southern coast are being reminded to stay clear of water that may be discoloured or have the foam present.
If any contact is made, people are advised to wash themselves in fresh water.
SAOGA wants people to continue support the industry and purchasing from local farms, but said people should only buy from 'reputable' retailers.
'We are encouraging buyers to continue to support local growers by purchasing SA oysters from reputable seafood retailers and restaurants,' Treloar said.
'SAOGA is committed to supporting its growers as PIRSA continues to monitor the small number of SA oyster farms temporarily closed, as a precautionary measure by the bloom.'
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