Algal Bloom Costs SA Hundreds of Millions

0:00This is Corey, here with your quick two-minute update from Adelaide News today. A new report out of South Australia tallies the huge price tag on last year's harmful algal bloom at hundreds of millions of dollars. Tourism operators lost more than $46 million, the fishing industry over $100 million, and the state government shelled out about. 102,500,000 dollars are response efforts. The study, prepared for the Conservation Council of South Australia, slams fossil fuel companies for driving climate change that sparked a disaster. It makes a strong case for those polluters to chip in on cleanup and aid for hard-hit sectors like fishing and tourism. People in the fishing world and diving community are gutted by the fallout. Catches of prime species such as King George Whiting, Southern Garfish, and Southern Kalamari collapsed completely. Something experts have never seen. Before, divers talk about the emotional toll of empty reefs where vibrant life used to thrive. Meanwhile, recovery is picking up steam.

1:02Ocean waters improved, starting in November, with fish returning to some dive sites. The government has committed more than $160 million to science, monitoring, and business grants ranging from $25,000 to $350,000, plus vouchers to lower back visitors. Latest test on March 6, found no or low levels of the bloom algae across 21 metro sites, though southwest, your peninsula still has some. Activity. Officials note economic impacts linger, but targeted support keeps flowing to coastal communities. Support for this DNN episode comes from our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening in bed.