The State Government is rolling out a suite of measures to back South Australia’s recreational fishing community, helping them weather the impacts of the unprecedented algal bloom and setting the stage for a strong recovery of fish stocks.
The algal bloom presents a real challenge for fishers, causing foamy and discoloured water in some areas and has impacted about 400 types of fish and marine animals.
As part of a $28 million package to support our recreational and commercial fishers, along with the businesses and communities that rely on them, the commitments include:

  • $300,000 to install a strategically placed recreational fishing reef in an impacted Gulf region to support the survival and reproduction of key recreational species and allow real-time monitoring for citizen scientists, schools, and researchers;
  • Establishing a fish stocking program in freshwater bodies such as reservoirs and lakes.
  • Opening more reservoirs to recreational fishing where consistent with public health advice;
  • Boosting regional tourism by supporting RecFish SA to deliver a series of four fishing events and competitions in regional areas, in conjunction with local tackle stores and businesses;
  • Supporting RecFish SA to host a series of fishing forums at local tackle stores, featuring well-known fishing personalities and local experts;
  • Providing RecFish SA a grant of $200,000 to provide continued support for more than a hundred fishing clinics and programs through South Australia to boost participation.
  • The construction of 15 new recreational fishing reefs across the state, to be delivered by the Department of Environment and Water, covering 15 hectares.

Important safety reminders for fishers and beachgoers

  • Fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, and squid you catch yourself are safe to eat if cleaned thoroughly and gutted before cooking
  • Do not eat self-collected bivalve molluscs (such as oysters, cockles, mussels, pipis, scallops) or abalone, as they have not been tested for brevetoxin, which can cause gastro-like symptoms
  • Never eat dead or dying fish, cockles, or other marine life found on the beach, as decomposition and spoilage can cause illness
  • At times, depending on currents and wind conditions, beaches may be affected by algae, with discoloured water and foam visible
  • You can still enjoy visiting the beach, but if you experience symptoms, move away from the water
  • If the water is clear, it is safe to swim
  • Avoid swimming in obviously affected areas and avoid contact with discoloured water or foam.

For further information on the algal bloom, including grants and other support available, and to subscribe for regular updates, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au