Game-changing testing for brevetoxins in shellfish will soon be able to be carried out at a new national testing facility in suburban Adelaide, fast tracking results for small businesses impacted by South Australia’s algal bloom.

As part of the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded with the federal government, the state government has engaged local company Agilex Biolabs to develop the methodology to allow the testing for brevetoxins to be carried out at its Thebarton laboratory.

The announcement  was made at a press conference in Adelaide yesterday, Wednesday 20 August, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Kangaroo Island to view some of the effects of the algal bloom.

Whilst the vast majority of South Australia’s oyster industry is open and trading as usual, brevetoxins have been detected in shellfish in Australian waters for the first time, forcing the temporary closure of some harvesting areas.

Earlier this month, the state’s mussel industry was able to reopen for business following a reduction in brevetoxin levels in consecutive testing.

Currently, the testing performed by the South Australian Quality Assurance Program results in samples to be sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week.

The move to a new national testing in Adelaide will significantly reduce that delay, meaning businesses can more quickly return to normal once brevetoxins reduce to safe levels.

Mr Albanese says all commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.

"Australians love their seafood – and they also know some of the best comes from across South Australia.

"The ability to monitor and test for brevetoxins here in Adelaide will speed up the necessary processes to ensure food is safe and allow more shellfish on more plates more quickly.

"My Government is committed to working with the South Australian Government to mitigate the worst effects of this significant ecological event on industry and the environment."

The Prime Minister posted details of his Kangaroo Island visit to social media.

“The algal bloom hitting South Australian coastal waters is devastating. It has a heartbreaking impact on our marine life, on our fishers, and on our communities.

“We’re responding on all fronts: providing relief for those affected, new investments to restore our coasts, and long-term measures to better protect our environment.

“I came to Kangaroo Island today to see the impact for myself and hear directly from those affected. 

“Climate change is real - that’s why we’re acting to deal with the damage today and take real action for the future.”

State Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia has called on the federal government to declare the algal bloom a natural national disaster, saying both state and federal governments had acted too little and too late on the crisis affecting the south Australian coast.

The algal bloom support package includes:

• $10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses
• Grants of up to $100,000 for eligible impacted fisheries and aquaculture businesses
• Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing
• Coastal Monitoring Network - investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry
• Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact
• Public forums and information campaigns
• A Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities
• Beach clean-up funding

Further information on the algal bloom and support package is available at the dedicated website.