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 Albanese Government, the Malinauskas 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.
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 (SASQAP) 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.
All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.
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 algalbloom.sa.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"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."
Quotes attributable to Premier Peter Malinauskas
"Australians can buy South Australian seafood with absolute confidence – knowing it is of the highest quality anywhere in the world.
"One of the reasons they can be assured is the testing of shellfish through the SASQAP program, and this investment we are making in partnership with the Albanese Government will deliver testing for brevetoxins right here in Adelaide.
"This new national facility will ensure test results can be turned around more quickly – meaning shellfish businesses which endure temporary closure can be back in business sooner when brevetoxin levels drop.
"In the interim, those businesses can apply for significant financial assistance, with grants that are significantly more generous than those on offer through the COVID-19 pandemic."