It’s time to act: Protecting our coastline is no longer optional
The Hon. Nick McBride. The recent storms that hit areas of the Limestone Coast have again laid bare the urgent threat of coastal erosion in the region. With every storm, we lose more of our coastline—along with the infrastructure, tourism, and natural environment it supports ... They reflect a growing crisis that short-term fixes like sand replenishment or rock walls can no longer solve.
Frustration boils over at algae forum
Sarah Herrmann. An Ardrossan commercial fisherman gave state government representatives a piece of his mind at a government-run algal bloom community forum in Minlaton last week, criticising their grant eligibility criteria and calling for action on fish stocks.
Clarence prawn trawl industry in crisis
Since 2023, the Clarence River prawn trawl industry has been on its knees, with fishermen locked out of their livelihoods due to a White Spot Control Order costing countless millions in income. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) was detected by the NSW Department of Primary Industries DPI in August 2022 at a Palmers Island prawn farm…
Harry captivates Bordertown
It’s not every day you get to meet a living legend, let alone hear their personal reflections on an event that gripped the entire world ... The captivating figure at the heart of it all was none other than Dr. Richard "Harry" Harris OAM… "My Underwater World," his first foray into filmmaking, passionately showcases the world-renowned underwater cave systems of the Limestone Coast...
Backing SA’s recreational fishers: PIRSA
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.
Upcoming webinar: Offshore seaweed cultivation, 20 August 2025
This webinar explores the cutting-edge advancements in deep-cycling offshore seaweed mariculture, a “stellar technology” poised to revolutionise ocean regeneration and sustainable economies. Led by Dr. Brian von Herzen, Dr. Joseph Rauch, and Steve Hamilton, the session will delve into the automation, scaling, and commercialisation of these innovative platforms...
Inlet conditions right on the mark for opening
The Wilson Inlet sand bar was breached yesterday with the AHD of 1m exceeded last week when low-lying areas around the inlet began to flood. Despite the cold weather and rain, fishers were out in force at Prawn Rock Channel at the weekend as schools gathered in the changing water conditions and increased food availability.
New Spanish mackerel assessment shows sustainable populations: Perrett
This year’s Spanish mackerel stock assessment found the population was now likely to have doubled since the 2021 review. Based on this, the Department Primary Industries has proposed raising Spanish mackerel catch limits for both commercial and recreational fishing.
Uncertainty prevails despite algae grants
Sarah Herrmann. Small businesses have expressed concerns about long-term financial assistance after eligibility criteria for the $10,000 algal bloom grants were revealed last week. Pubs are one of the businesses not eligible, but Dalrymple Hotel, Stansbury, publican Rob Rankine said, even if they were, there were other hurdles businesses had to jump to get compensation.
World Oceans Day 2025
NSW DPI. United Nations World Oceans Day is celebrated globally on 8 June each year to honour the ocean and how it supports us ... To celebrate, students from Lord Howe Island Central School (LHICS) took part in hands-on activities that encouraged them to get curious about the wonders of the LHIMP.
Surfing WA to expand its surfers rescue 365 program
The Spot and Capricorn beach north of Yanchep Lagoon have BEN signs but not shark monitoring network receivers so funding to support Surfing WA shark hazard mitigation initiatives will no doubt be welcomed ... Surfing WA chief executive officer Mark Lane said the funding was a major step forward for ocean safety in WA.
Premier makes a splash
Sarah Herrmann. Grants of up to $100,000 will be available to fisheries and aquaculture businesses significantly affected by the harmful algae bloom, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced during his visit to Yorke Peninsula yesterday, July 28.
Frustrations aired at algal bloom meeting
Yorke Peninsula businesses are calling for financial support from the state and federal governments, while also encouraging tourists to still visit the region, amid the ongoing harmful algal bloom. This was the sentiment shared by a crowd of almost 100 business owners and members of the public who gathered at a meeting organised by Port Vincent Progress Association on July 15.
State Government reveals next stage of algal bloom support package: Malinauskas, Close, Scriven
The State Government’s Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet has met this morning and signed off on a $28 million harmful algal bloom support package. The comprehensive package covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean up.
Feds fly in with $14m
Sarah Herrmann. The Federal Government has pledged $14 million towards South Australia's harmful algae bloom, but has not declared it a national disaster. Federal environment minister Murray Watt made the announcement yesterday (Monday, July 21) during a visit to Adelaide's beaches, saying $14 million was the formal request made by the State Government the day before.
Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom: Close, Scriven
South Australia’s flagship fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger will be operating in the Gulf of St Vincent tomorrow to conduct underwater observations of the harmful algal … State Government agencies are also taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga.
Fishers’ plea for lifeline
Michelle Daw. Commercial fishers are calling for the South Australian Government to waive licence and quota fees as they continue to struggle with low catches amid the devastating impact of the prolonged toxic algal bloom on marine life.
Merger will not restore deleted emergency capability
Victorian Fisheries Media Centre. On May 20, 2025, the fisheries authority (VFA) finalised an organisational restructure, under which it has since shed 30 (44 per cent) of the state's 69 Fisheries Officers; leaving just 39 officers to patrol Victoria's 2,512 km coastline, 10,000 square km of ocean waters and 170,000 km of inland water frontage along 85,000 km of rivers and creeks. Then in a separate decision, on Friday, June 13, 2025, the VFA stripped the remaining officers of their duties to "respond to any emergency" by deleting these duties from their Position Descriptions ...
Understanding long-term reef health
Reef Life Survey (RLS) have released a new report outlining results from long-term monitoring of shallow reefs in the Lord Howe Island Park (LHIMP). RLS is a volunteer-based citizen science program which has been surveying reefs to 30m depth in the LHIMP for nearly two decades.
Tourism blues as bloom remains, spreads
Businesses on southern Yorke Peninsula have been hit by a tourism downturn amid the ongoing algal bloom. Stansbury has been affected by brevetoxin, closing the town's oyster farms for over six weeks, which Dalrymple Hotel owner Rob Rankine said had influenced visitation to the town.
Tiwi Islands celebrate milestone in Territory-grown oyster industry: Maley
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the growth of the Northern Territory’s Blacklip Rock Oyster industry, with progress on the ground showcased at a community field day on Bathurst Island. Held at Wurrumiyanga on 19 June 2025, the Oyster Farm Field Day brought together local community members, industry participants and research partners...
Shellharbour’s incredible whale tales
Whale watching is in full swing in Shellharbour with numerous sightings occurring this month, including some incredible drone footage from Bushrangers Bay caught by local ORRCA volunteer Ty Peters.
