Relief for algae impacted businesses

The State Government is reporting that financial relief has begun flowing to businesses impacted by the algal bloom, via the $28 million support package it is funding in partnership with the Federal Government. 

Under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant, the State Government is working closely to deliver significant support of up to $100,000 for fisheries and aquaculture license holders who have either been forced to close due to the presence of brevetoxins, or who have experienced a sustained reduction in catch.

Under this grant, four businesses are currently being assessed, with one already approved for payment of $50,000.

In addition to the grants, the government has assessed and approved fishing license fee relief to 35 different operators in the charter boat, marine scalefish and oyster industries.

To be eligible for the $10,000 Small Business Support Grants, businesses are required to demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in turnover.
Eligible businesses include:
• marine or coastal tourism operators
• charter boat and fishing charter operators
• marine-based sport and/or schools (e.g. surf school)
• commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders
• seafood processors
• marine/fishing supply chain manufacturers/retailers (e.g. tackle shops, suppliers)
• coastal caravan parks and camping grounds and accommodation
• beachfront kiosks/cafés

In addition to the grants, the State Government is also providing financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing.

Other measures being supported through the $28 million support package include:
• Coastal Monitoring Network - investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry.
• New national testing laboratory in SA for harmful algal bloom and brevetoxin/biotoxin testing. Currently, samples are sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week.
• Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact, including modelling ecological impacts on near shore marine ecosystems and all sanctuary zones utilising remote underwater video surveys and dive surveys.
• Beach clean-up funding to assist cleaning up dead fish and marine life.
• Public forums for impacted coastal communities and a trusted single point of information and contact for timely, accurate, and clear communication to industry and the public including a single phone hotline, website, consistent physical signage and information.
• Public information campaigns focused on rebuilding confidence and driving visitation to our coastal regions and marine based tourism businesses and promoting the seafood industry and benefits of recreational fishing.
• Developing a dedicated harmful algal bloom response plan for future bloom events.
• Support for recreational fishing including installation of a recreational fishing reef, establishing a fish stocking program in freshwater bodies, opening more reservoirs to recreational fishing and boosting regional tourism with a series of fishing events and competitions.

Further details on the algal bloom, including details of business support, and attendance at community forums, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au