The algal bloom devastating South Australian marine life has now been found in the Port River.
Testing revealed the presence of the harmful algae species karenia mikimotoi in the river, with high concentrations found around Garden Island and Outer Harbor, not far from the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
“That is the new place. But as I say, it’s not unexpected because it’s essentially part of the coastline. It is completely open to the sea, you would expect it to end up there,” Acting Premier Susan Close said.
Authorities have advised that while dolphins are not expected to experience toxic effects from the algae because they’re mammals, they may experience allergic reactions.
“The advice to me at this stage is that because dolphins are mammals they will not experience any toxic effects but they may experience the kind of allergic reaction that we experience,” Close said.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced fee relief of up to $500,000 for commercial fishers impacted by the bloom.
However, some in the industry believe the relief isn’t enough.
“It has come too late,” oyster farmer Steve Bowley said.
“It’s never going to be enough… the lease fees is a great start, thank you government we will take that and we are grateful, but that’s just the beginning of the story, not the end.”
The opposition has called for increased and sustained financial assistance to the industry.
“Really disappointing on hearing from a fisher that they’ve worked out it’s only about $500 per fisherman that they’re actually going to be supporting them,” opposition spokesman David Basham said.
It’s unclear exactly how long the bloom will last, but many believe South Australia could see the effects for up to five years.
