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South Australia Declares Algal Bloom a Natural Disaster as Federal Aid Is Withheld

Federal criteria exclude algal blooms from assistance, leaving South Australia to navigate recovery on its own.

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Overview

  • On July 15, Acting Premier Susan Close officially labeled the Karenia mikimotoi bloom a natural disaster, launching state-led recovery measures
  • The federal government has ruled the event ineligible for support under the National Natural Disaster Arrangements
  • The fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger has commenced underwater assessments in the Gulf of St Vincent to gauge ecological impacts
  • Toxins found in oysters and mussels at Port Lincoln have prompted a suspension of shellfish harvesting for at least four weeks
  • Industry bodies and Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young are calling for a national disaster declaration and will seek a parliamentary inquiry