South Coast Algal Bloom

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (16:38): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries regarding the algal bloom situation. Given that South Australian local fishers are warning that stock depletion will take years to recover, what current actions are being undertaken by the government to preserve and rebuild fish stocks in Gulf St Vincent, Spencer Gulf and any other affected areas?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (16:39): I thank the honourable member for her question, which is a sensible one, unlike what we have seen from a lot of those others opposite today. It is impressive to see that finally there is a sensible question from those opposite.

I think it is absolutely worth acknowledging also the mental strain that the concerns around stock levels are having on people, particularly, obviously, commercial fishers. Seeing the level of sea life that has been washed up onto shores is a reminder to those who perhaps don't normally come into contact with the commercial fishing industries of how important it is, both for our economy and also for our environment, that we do have a marine system which continues to work well.

There are a number of things that are already under consideration, and there are also some things that we have already announced. I spoke earlier today in question time about the rapid stock assessments. That has to be point number one, because until we actually have an objective understanding of what the impact to various species has been then obviously the ways to address that can't be put into place.

There is also a whole range of science and research which is essentially feeding into the way that fisheries can be supported going forward. Members may have been aware of the announcement that we made in the last few weeks in regard to support for artificial reefs. I am not sure if that is the correct term, but certainly it is about establishing reefs in a way that is still sustainable within the ocean—it can't just be made of cement blocks or something like that—that can therefore assist in terms of the natural increases in stock. Oysters are obviously one example, but there are plenty of others as well.

These are some of the things that have already been announced. We are continuing to work with the fishing groups, with environmental associations and with our coastal communities about all the things that may be necessary going forward. We are very pleased that the $28 million includes such a significant amount for research, because obviously it needs to be evidence-based to be able to assess the best way in terms of potentially restocking or providing the environment that enables that natural uplift in terms of the species that have been affected.