Algal Bloom

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:29): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier advise whether when Karenia cristata comes under stress and subsides, the cells become more toxic, and how long do the toxins remain after the algae dies?

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members on my right!

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier, Minister for Defence and Space Industries) (14:30): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The government continues to undertake science and research efforts in regard to the harmful algal bloom. We know that there is a suite of species that exist within the bloom. There is Karenia mikimotoi, there is the Karenia cristata. Of course, for much of our coastline now there is no Karenia at all. The cell counts we have seen are zero and at basically normal levels.

The government continues to undertake research into the bloom, including with Karenia cristata and how it operates relative to climate conditions. The government has been privy to some information that speaks to the fact that Karenia cristata might actually be a Karenia species that does not perform as well in warmer waters, which might be a good thing. But this is science that, like I said, continues to evolve and continues to present new things as we continue to invest in the effort and research. That's exactly why we do that research.