Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt will expedite an expert assessment of the impact of South Australia's toxic algal bloom on marine life, to understand whether any local flora and fauna need to be added to the threatened species list.
The harmful bloom, while not lethal to humans, has had a devastating impact on more than 400 species of marine life with dead sharks, rays and fish washing up along the coastline.
Last month, the Federal and State Government announced a $28 million joint funding package to assist in a range of areas including science and research to boost resilience and planning, industry support and clean-up efforts.
Ahead of a visit to Adelaide today, Minister Watt has written to the Chair of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) to urgently consider what further species should be added to the 2025 Priority Assessment List due to the algal bloom event.
This approach is similar to a previous referral to the TSSC, which asked them to prioritise the assessment of species that had been impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires.
Should the TSSC decide to assess any marine life impacted by the algal bloom, a range of responses may be triggered, including the development of conservation plans.
During Minister Watt's visit, his second in the past month, he will also meet with impacted businesses, industry and the community.
The visit follows a productive meeting Minister Watt held with a key group of marine scientists yesterday, to explain the government's funding package and plans for further ocean protection. The scientists urged the Minister to request this fast-tracked marine life assessment through the TSSC.
The Prime Minister is also expected to travel to South Australia to inspect the algal bloom next week.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"The health and resilience of Australia's ocean is incredibly important to the Albanese Government.
"We share South Australians' concern about the widespread marine species mortalities caused by this extreme event.
"We can leave no stone unturned to understand the impact of this on local marine life, so we can begin investing in the appropriate strategies to bring these important animals back to healthy numbers.
"That's why I've tasked the Threatened Species Scientific Committee with urgently investigating the impact of the bloom on local marine life.
"While the State Government holds primary responsibility for managing and monitoring State coastal waters, we continue to support their efforts.
"We have supported a $28 million jointly funded package with the SA Government to assist in a range of areas.
"This includes science and research to boost resilience and planning, industry support and clean-up efforts.
"This is a stark reminder that warming oceans and shifting marine conditions are already hitting Australian communities."
