After a drip feed of announcements this week, the state and federal governments have released the $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan, a comprehensive suite of measures to protect coastal communities.

The jointly funded plan follows consultation with experts, industry and the broader community and has three core objectives:

• Ensuring South Australians can enjoy their summer.
• Backing coastal businesses and communities.
• Advancing research and protecting the environment.

Along with business and tourism supports, additional beach patrols and information-sharing, the Plan includes an investment of more than $37 million in science and the environment.

There will be a $20.6 million investment in the natural environment, with four key targets:

Large-scale native oyster reef restoration

Constructing new limestone native oyster reefs along the coast. When placed in gulfs at the right time, these reefs create an environment where native oysters can grow into a natural reef.

Community shellfish reef restoration

Creating additional community recycled oyster reefs – bringing the total number to 25 projects around the state. These reefs use recycled oyster shells, placed in strategic locations, to create a natural habitat for new oysters and marine life.

Seagrass and blue carbon restoration

Funding to undertake seagrass restoration research in the Gulf St Vincent. Seagrass can help filter excess nutrients from the water, providing a food source for bacteria that inhibit algal growth, and improving overall water quality.

Threatened and vulnerable marine species breeding 

A targeted breeding, conservation and fish stocking program for vulnerable and threatened species impacted by the algal bloom, alongside a biodiversity education program.

There will also be a further $17.3 million for science, research and monitoring, including:

Water monitoring and forecasting

A further investment in South Australia’s capacity for real-time oceanographic water quality monitoring and forecasting through a collaboration with the CSIRO, including the acquisition of state-of-the-art monitoring bouys. The buoys will be moored at key locations and integrated with ocean modelling and AI forecasting to support early detection.

Offshore water analysis

Funding towards undertaking offshore water analysis in the deep waters of Gulf St Vincent, Spencer Gulf, and the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. The program will build on understanding of the link between offshore and onshore bloom distribution and movement.

Establish an Office for Algal Bloom Research

A new $3.2 million South Australian-based office will serve as a central hub for national integration of algal bloom science and undertake vital long-term research into the formation, spread and impact of algal bloom events.

AI Cytobots

A $1 million trial of state-of-the-art AI-powered submersible cytobots to build on understanding of phytoplankton communities and help with the development of live detection and early warning systems. The Imaging FlowCytobot collects data and generates high-resolution images of suspended particles which can be transmitted back to shore in real-time.

Algal bloom mitigation

Investigating and trialling various algal bloom mitigation techniques for controlled waterways, such as rivers, estuaries and lakes, including clay and gyroid absorbent sponge technology.

This is in addition to measures already announced, including dining and travel vouchers, an advertising campaign, the beachsafe app, extra beach patrols and clean-up squads and a new round of industry support grants.