Harmful Algal Bloom

A harmful algal bloom caused by Karenia mikimotoi has been detected in South Australian waters, significantly impacting our coastline.

The bloom has discoloured and foamed the water in some areas and is believed to have caused the deaths of thousands of marine animals, affecting around 400 species.

Stay Informed

For up-to-date information from the South Australian Government - including details on staying safe, how the situation is being managed and the $28 million support package - visit: sa.gov.au/algalbloom

For public health advice, visit SA Health water quality alerts

If you have questions about the algal bloom or to report dead fish or sick marine life, call the free hotline on 1800 774 779.

The free 1800 774 779 State Government hotline will make it easier for people to connect with existing algal bloom support services through a single contact point.

Provide Feedback

The District Council of Yankalilla is actively working with local residents, community groups and businesses to advocate for support in response to the impacts of the harmful algal bloom affecting our region.

We will continue to provide accounts regarding the impacts to the Harmful Algal Bloom Reference Group, co-chaired by Deputy Premier Susan Close and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven.

Provide your feedback here.

Update: 16 October 2025

Algal Bloom Hotline

A new algal bloom phone hotline has been launched, providing further access to accurate, timely and consistent information about the algal bloom affecting parts of South Australia.

The free 1800 774 779 State Government hotline will make it easier for people to connect with existing algal bloom support services through a single contact point.

Update: 1 October 2025

Algal Bloom Community Forum: Normanville

You're Invited:

Coastal areas across South Australia have been impacted by an algal bloom.

To help keep communities informed, the South Australian Government is hosting a series of community forums across regional and metropolitan locations.

These forums will provide updates on the response and recovery efforts, including the latest science, public health advice, and support measures for affected communities and industries.

Details for Normanville Forum:

• Date: Monday 20 October 2025
• Time: 6.00 – 7.30pm
• Location: Normanville Surf Life Saving Club

What to expect:

• Hear from government leaders, including the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Hon Clare Scriven MLC.
• Expert insights from  Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier and SARDI’s Professor Mike Steer.
• Presentations on algal bloom science, health safety, environmental impacts and recovery efforts.
• Expert panel Q&A sessions.

Each forum will feature expert presentations on algal bloom science, public health advice and safety, and include an expert panel Q&A.

There will be opportunities for attendees to share insights and ask questions.

Forums are free and open to the public.

Registration is essential due to venue capacity.

Register for the forum here.

These forums form part of the state and federal governments’ $28 million crisis response package to address the algal bloom impacting the South Australian coastline.

Enquiries: DEWEngagement@sa.gov.au or (08) 8124 4928

Visit www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au for the latest updates.

Update: 11 September 2025

South Australian Algal Bloom – Community Forum & Senate Inquiry Update

The District Council of Yankalilla is encouraging the community to stay informed and involved in addressing the recent algal bloom affecting South Australia’s coastline.

Community Forum – Normanville

The South Australian Government is hosting a community forum in Normanville as part of a series across regional and metropolitan coastal areas. These forums are an opportunity for residents to hear directly from experts, leaders and locals on the state’s response to the algal bloom.

Details for Normanville Forum:

• Date: Monday 20 October 2025
• Time: 6.00 – 7.30pm
• Location: Normanville Surf Life Saving Club

Attendees will hear presentations on algal bloom science, public health advice and safety measures. The forum will conclude with an expert panel Q&A, providing opportunities to ask questions and share insights.

Featured speakers include:

• Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Hon Clare Scriven MLC
• Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier
• SARDI’s Professor Mike Steer

These forums are free and open to the public, but registration is required due to venue capacity.

Register for the forum here.

Read more about the community forums in the Algal Bloom Update webpage.

Senate Inquiry Public Hearing – Tomorrow

Council also notes that the Senate Inquiry Public Hearing on the algal bloom will be held:

• Date: Friday 12 September 2025
• Time: From 9am
• Location: Victor Harbor Bowling Club, Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor

Council staff will be in attendance. The Council has contributed to a joint written submission in partnership with LGA SA, Adelaide Coastal Councils Network (ACCN) and the South Australian Coastal Councils Alliance (SACCA).

Council also welcomes the participation of local businesses, Cape Calamari and The Big Duck Boat Tours, who will make verbal submissions to the Inquiry highlighting the impact of the algal bloom on their operations.

The hearing is open to the public and community members are welcome to attend.

Update: 25 August 2025

New Coastal Travel Voucher Program Announced

The Premier today announced a new Coast is Calling travel voucher program to support coastal tourism businesses impacted by the algal bloom.

Delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission, the program will make 20,000 vouchers available for accommodation and experiences valued up to $500. The initiative is designed to encourage South Australians to travel this spring and support coastal communities.

Key details:

• Expressions of Interest for tourism operators open: Tuesday 26 August – Friday 29 August 2025
• Public ballot for vouchers: Friday 19 September – Monday 22 September 2025
• Travel period: Wednesday 24 September – Sunday 30 November 2025
• Voucher types available:
  • $100 experience vouchers
  • $100 accommodation vouchers (1-night minimum stay)
  • $200 accommodation vouchers (2-night minimum stay)
  • $500 accommodation vouchers (5-night minimum stay)

The program is part of the $28 million algal bloom support package funded by the South Australian and Australian governments.

Local tourism operators are encouraged to participate by submitting an Expression of Interest.

For full program details, visit Coast is Calling Vouchers | Tourism SA

Update: 25 August 2025

Algal Bloom Tourism Industry Webinar – Wednesday 27 August

The South Australian Tourism Commission in conjunction with the Tourism Industry Council of SA will be providing an update on the SATC response to the algal bloom, as well as support available for our industry.  

Joining SATC CEO Emma Terry will be the Minister for Tourism - the Hon Zoe Bettison MP, TiCSA CEO Shaun de Bruyn, members of the SATC Executive team, as well as representatives from PIRSA and SA Health on the call to help answer your questions.

SATC & TiCSA Industry Webinar: algal bloom
Date: Wednesday, 27 August
Time: 9:30am (duration 1 hour)
Location: online via Zoom

Register Now

A reminder that algal bloom community forums are currently underway across the State. Check out upcoming locations and register here.

Update: 05 August 2025

Algal Bloom Community Forum – Victor Harbor

The State Government is hosting a series of community forums to help keep communities informed on the algal bloom. These forums will provide updates on the response and recovery efforts, including the latest science, public health advice and support measures for affected communities and industries.

These sessions are free to attend and registrations are essential due to venue capacity - Book here.

What to expect

• Hear from government leaders including Premier Peter Malinauskas and Deputy Premier Susan Close.
• Expert insights from Professor Mike Steer (SARDI), Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier, and others.
• Presentations on algal bloom science, health safety, environmental impacts, and recovery efforts.
• Expert panel Q&A sessions.

Locations

• Brighton on Tuesday, 5 August, 6:30pm until 8:30pm.
• Semaphore on Sunday 10 August, 2:00pm until 4pm.
• Victor Harbor on Tuesday, 12 August, 6:30pm until 8:30pm.

Book now as venue capacity is limited.

Update: 29 July 2025

Government Announces Support Package for Businesses Impacted by Algal Bloom Event

The South Australian and Australian Governments have announced a significant support package, including financial relief payments for impacted commercial fisheries, licenced aquaculture businesses and eligible marine industry businesses.

SA small businesses affected by the harmful algal bloom can now apply for up to $10,000, while commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders hardest hit may be eligible for up to $100,000 in support.

Eligible small businesses can access $10,000 grants if they’ve experienced a 30% drop in turnover. This includes:

• Marine or coastal tourism operators
• Charter boat and fishing charter operators
• Marine-based sports/schools (e.g. surf schools)
• Seafood processors and marine/fishing retailers
• Coastal caravan parks, beachfront cafés, and more

For commercial fisheries or aquaculture licence holders significantly impacted, grants of up to $100,000 are available - including:

• Immediate payment of $25,000 for fisheries or aquaculture licence holders forced to close by authorities for more than one month or a 50 per cent reduction in catch/harvest for a three-month period since April.
• Businesses may be eligible for an additional payment of up to $75,000 where a 50 per cent reduction in turnover can also be demonstrated.
• Payments will be tiered based on turnover.

The State Government has committed to processing applications within 15 business days so help gets to those who need it - fast.

See the attached media release for more information.

Apply at Algal Bloom Support Package | Small and Family Business