Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Clare Scriven MLC, South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
Australia's first dedicated central hub for algal bloom research has opened in Adelaide.
The $3.2 million Office for Algal Bloom Research has been established within the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), placing Adelaide at the forefront of algal bloom management and research.
The establishment of this nation-leading algae science hub forms part of the Federal and South Australian governments' $37 million investment in strengthening algal bloom science, research and monitoring through the Algal Bloom Science Program.
Leading the work of the Office for Algal Bloom Research will be a newly recruited, highly skilled team of oceanographers, data modellers and phytoplankton experts who will build on the work of SARDI's existing expert scientists.
The team will deliver coordinated, long-term research programs focused on better understanding the formation, spread and impacts of algal blooms, with the goal of informing the development of new responses technology that will better protect our
ecosystem, industries and communities both now and into the future.
This collaborative approach to algal bloom research was on full display earlier this month, when more than 200 researchers, industry representatives, government officials and community stakeholders from across Australia and the world came together for the Algal Bloom Research Symposium in Adelaide.
The two-day summit included presentations of the latest findings in algal bloom science, advances in monitoring and forecasting, and new insights into what drives algal blooms and how they affect ecosystems and communities.
Learnings from the Symposium will help to inform and guide the work of the Office for Algal Bloom Research.
The Federal and South Australian governments have invested in the establishment of this new hub and the Algal Bloom Science Program through the jointly-funded $162.5 million response to the harmful algal bloom in South Australia.
Quotes attributable to Murray Watt
"The Albanese and Malinauskas Governments' have left no stone unturned in rolling out support that will make a difference to South Australians, and all the ways they use this state's beautiful coastline.
"The two governments have worked hand-in-glove together to deliver more than $162 million for the algal bloom response.
"Part of this includes making sure that we're delivering the scientific capability and national coordination needed to stay ahead of these challenges. This investment in algal bloom science reflects our desire to ensure we have the capacity to anticipate, understand and respond to algal blooms both now and into the future.
"By integrating world-leading technologies and the best in local expertise, we are drawing on the best available science to protect our oceans, marine ecosystems and communities."
Quotes attributable to Clare Scriven
"The past 15 months since the algal bloom appeared in our waters has been challenging for our state.
"Ever since the start, the South Australian Government and agencies including SARDI have played a key role in responding to the bloom, providing evidence-based intelligence and scientific advice that helped get us through the worst periods of uncertainty.
"While a significant body of scientific research and work has been accomplished in a remarkably short period of time, there are more answers to be sought as we further our knowledge into blooms.
"That work continues with the Office for Algal Bloom Research, with its research relationships and collaborations vital in protecting the health and resilience of South Australia's marine environments and the communities and industries it supports."
Quotes attributable to SARDI executive director Professor Mike Steer
"The unprecedented nature of this harmful algal bloom event, since it first emerged has reinforced the critical importance of trusted applied science in supporting government, industry and communities through complex and rapidly evolving environmental events.
"Throughout the event our SARDI research teams have worked extensively on the water and in the laboratory to understand bloom dynamics, ecosystem impacts and emerging risks. It also highlighted the depth of capability already within SARDI and the importance of strong close collaboration across government, research organisations, industry and the community.
"The establishment of the OABR is an important step forward in strengthening Australia's capability to detect, prepare for and respond to HABs - deepening our expertise in phytoplankton taxonomy, algal culturing and marine biotoxin research, and expanding the surveillance, modelling and analytical capacity needed for a more coordinated, science-driven approach to marine ecosystem risk.
"SARDI is proud to lead this work and welcomes opportunities through OABR to collaborate nationally and internationally to strengthen harmful algal bloom science, preparedness and response capability for the future."
