The state government has joined the state’s seafood industry to spread the message that premium seafood purchased in stores is completely safe to eat.

It will invest $750,000 in a statewide public information campaign to promote the seafood industry, funded from the $28 million algal bloom support package provided by the state and federal governments.

The call to action follows seafood vendors reporting diminished consumer confidence and decreased demand for local caught fish while the algal bloom persists.

According to the state government, the bloom currently impacts less than a third of South Australia’s coastline.

Georgie Cornish is Executive Director Biosecurity with PIRSA.

“The vast majority of South Australia’s shellfish harvesting areas that are not part of regular seasonal closures remain open, and their produce is safe to eat. 

“Regular ongoing testing in these open harvest areas continues to ensure the harvested produce food safety standards are upheld. 

“As part of this program harvesting areas are often temporarily closed as a precaution to ensure food safety standards are upheld.

“This monitoring and testing mean consumers can be confident the food meets stringent food safety levels and maintains the high standard for which our South Australian shellfish are known.”

A series of public forums for affected communities will begin next week, with the first forum to be held in Brighton on Tuesday 5 August, followed by events in Port Adelaide and Victor Harbor.

The state government will also convene a forum of all Surf Lifesaving Clubs, with invitations to be issued next week.

It says South Australia is internationally renowned for its high quality, fresh seafood, with $192.2 million exported to other countries in the year to May.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says South Australians should know that they can buy seafood with absolute confidence – it is entirely safe to eat.

“We have the highest food safety standards anywhere in the world. More than that, our seafood industry needs your support.

“I encourage every South Australian to continue buying our premium fish, oysters, mussels and prawns safe in the knowledge they are of the highest quality, and that they are helping our seafood industry through this most challenging time.

For more information on the algal bloom, visit the dedicated website.