Yumbah Aquaculture Shuts Down Abalone Farm on Kangaroo Island

0:00It's March 24th. Welcome in. This is Sydney News Today, where local news meets AI. Yumba Aquaculture is shutting down its Abelone farm on Kangaroo Island by mid-year, blaming a harmful algal bloom as the breaking point. The site, which has run for more than 30 years, and holds the title of the longest running Abelone operation in the Southern Hemisphere, will lead to 15 permanent jobs lost. The bloom hit first in mid-2025, causing some animal deaths in slowed growth. A return to November and December, hitting the already stressed stock even harder and making restocking too costly, especially with a rough market. For Abelone right now, staff found out this morning, but the company is stepping up with short-term pay bonuses, chances to move to other sites, and mental health help. Through groups like Staya Float, they'll guarantee jobs for the 12 weeks needed to clear out the farm. Kangaroo Island's mayor calls it a huge hit to local jobs in the economy, stressing how vital the farm was to the community.

1:02He's planning to lobby state ministers for ideas like, turning the site into a research, or training hub, to keep young workers on island. Meanwhile, Yumba keeps producing kingfish, muscles, Abelone and oysters across South Australia and beyond, while pushing governments for reforms to. Letters share risks and build a stronger industry.