Fee relief for commercial fishers impacted by algal bloom
The South Australian Government will provide fee relief for commercial fishers, aquaculture and charter boat operators impacted by the algal bloom affecting South Australia’s coastline.
The naturally occurring algal bloom has caused widespread marine mortalities and disruption to commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations.
Some operators in the Marine Scalefish Fishery have experienced declines in catch and economic viability, particularly in Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island, and the Yorke Peninsula.
Oyster growing and pipi harvesting areas have been impacted by food safety closures. Charter boat operations and fisheries around the River Murray mouth and Lakes and Coorong have also been impacted to varying degrees.
In recognition of the ongoing impact, the State Government is offering an relief package to affected licence holders to waive their respective quarterly fees until at least 30 June 2026.
Eligible fees for relief consideration include:
- PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture annual licence fees
- Biosecurity SA Food Safety Scheme and audit fees
- Aquaculture lease and licence fees
Eligible participants will receive a credit or refund equal to 25% of their annual fee, reflecting the impacted quarters.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will continue working with sector representatives and lease and licence holders to assess the scale of the impact and target support.
Impacted lease and licence holders are encouraged to work with their industry association to access the fee relief process. Industry associations are compiling claims and submitting them to PIRSA for assessment.
Commercial fishers, aquaculture and charter boat fishery operators impacted by the harmful algal bloom should refer to the Algal Bloom Fee Relief Program Guidelines ( ) which outline eligibility criteria and the application process.
Applications are open until further notice.
If you are not a member of an association or represent yourself independently, you can contact PIRSA directly:
- Phone: (08) 8207 5332
- Email: pirsa.fisheriesbusiness@sa.gov.au.
Support is also available for licence holders facing financial hardship through the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and the Family and Business (FaB) Mentor program. These services provide financial counselling and wellbeing support for primary producers experiencing hardship.