Latest news with #PIRSA
ABC News
2 days ago
- General
- ABC News
South Australia on high alert for shot-hole borer infestations
South Australians have been asked to keep an eye out for an invasive pest that has the potential to wipe out thousands of street and parkland trees, as well as some crops, if it spreads into the state. A national plan is being developed to manage the beetle — the polyphagous shot-hole borer — which was detected in Western Australia in 2021 and has spread through trees in the Perth region. The WA government recently said it would stop trying to eradicate the beetle, which has put authorities in other states on high alert for its presence. South Australian Forest Products Association chief executive Nathan Paine said he was disappointed to see authorities "give up" the fight to eradicate a pest that could cause "untold damage across our urban landscapes and across Australia". "Once a pest is in the country, we need to work as hard as we can, like we have here in SA with fruit fly, to ensure that pest is eradicated," Mr Paine said. He said the state's pine plantations were not under threat, but Tasmanian bluegum plantations, native forests, street trees and botanic gardens were. "If we can stop this now in WA before it becomes significant … we need to make this happen." South Australia's Department of Primary Industries (PIRSA) director of plant and invasive species, Nick Secomb, said the borer had the potential to enter the state from WA in timber, mulch or established trees. He said PIRSA had been monitoring about 500 sites, mainly within metropolitan Adelaide, for signs of the pest. "The real risk for us is that it might get picked and brought here, and so we've had movement controls in place for a while now in our plant quarantine standard," Mr Secomb said. "Luckily we've got that one road in from WA, we've got the Ceduna quarantine station, so all those things get checked." Mr Secomb said PIRSA would work with local councils and nurseries to help identify signs of the shot-hole borer. There is no known treatment beyond removing infected trees and, along with native and ornamental trees, the borer can affect crops including avocados, pears, apples, macadamia and mango. Riverland avocado grower George Loffler said the pest could potentially wipe out SA's avocado industry. "[If it gets here] I don't really see how we're going to stop it, and that's probably one of the scary things," Mr Loffler said. "We don't want pesticides and chemicals affecting our fruit, and it could be a situation where we might have to abandon our harvest if we have to use those options to control the pest. "Where does that leave us as a business and as a family, and where does it leave everyone else along the supply chain that relies on us for avocado supply?" He said the pest was a threat to "every single person out there with a backyard" and everyone had a role in keeping it out of SA. "I guess once they've finished destroying all those, they'll come and eat our avocados."
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Climate
- 7NEWS
Coastal threat set to stay as sea life continue to die on South Australian beaches
Initial hope of cold water dispersing the toxic algae bloom across South Australian coastlines has faded, with it proving resistant to recent storm surges. Marine life continues to die and wash up on beaches across Adelaide due to the bloom. In March, a notable foam — likened by some to the froth on a milkshake — and its effects were first noticed by surfers at Waitpinga, about 100km from Adelaide, with the EPA reporting the algae being the toxic micro-algae karenia mikimotoi. This comes two weeks after a strong storm surge drove the algae back up the Murray River at Goolwa, entering the Coorong through the Murray Mouth — where the river meets the Southern Ocean. It has since been found on beaches from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay, with the algae now being reported on the western side of Adelaide's beaches. Locals have found hundreds of rarely seen sea creatures dead on the sand. There is no 'magic wand' to remove the algae from Adelaide coastlines, with the algae simply waiting on the sea floor until the water warms up again, Minister for Primary Industries and Regions Susan Close said on Monday. 'What we are experiencing is the effects of climate change, it is what happens when you have an ongoing marine heatwave off our coast,' Close said. 'We are forecasting over the next 12 months (for the reoccurrence of the algae).' More than 80 researches from both Adelaide and around the world are helping in research efforts to keep an eye on the algae and its effects on the marine life, Close said. The storms that were predicted to remove the toxic algae, have since proved to benefit it instead, with it now spreading further across SA coastlines. 'To storms and cooler temperatures, we are seeing the algae being very persistent in South Australian waters,' Close said. 'We've seen the large mass of algae, the depth of some 20 metres and the size of Kangaroo Island break up significantly. 'What has happened is a lot of it has just been moved around into other parts of South Australia waters, including the metropolitan coast. 'This is of concern because we are continuing to see marine life washing up on our coastline.' Human exposure, which includes breathing in algae particles, can cause respiratory and eye irritation or skin rashes in some people, while ingestion could cause stomach upsets or flu-like symptoms. The particles can become airborne and affect nearby beachside properties. In the meantime, PIRSA and SA Health have advised the public not to collect or eat any dead or dying fish or marine organisms found along the shore. To report unusual sightings of fish kills or affected marine life, residents are urged to contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522. Concerns about water quality can be reported to the EPA at 1800 623 445 or by emailing yourepa@
West Australian
10-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
WA farmers are lending a helping hand to replenish South Australia's drought-impacted farmers' hay stocks
WA farmers are poised to lend a helping hand to replenish South Australia's hay stocks as the state continues to grapple with some of the driest conditions in decades. Green snail has prevented local farmers from supplying their drought-affected neighbours recent years, however, recent animal feed entry conditions have been adjusted by the SA Government to help provide its farmers with some relief. The SA Government granted conditional entry to hay from areas of WA with a lower risk of the pest infestation on May 30. Farmers Across Borders - Hay — a volunteer group of farmers and truckies from WA — plans to take its first convoy in the coming weeks in partnership with Victoria Lions Club's Need For Feed program, containing 1000 bales each of barley straw and hay. WA spokeswoman Sam Starcevich said while conditional entry had been obtained, the group still faced many hurdles. 'It's made it a bit easier for delivery but there are still regulations and procedures we must follow,' she said. The SA Department of Primary Industries requires each consignment to be accompanied by a Plant Health Import Certificate and a Biosecurity Declaration that clearly identifies the origin of the hay. Additionally, all consignments must be sealed/covered during transport to prevent spillage and a detailed manifest must be submitted to PIRSA prior to arrival, in accordance with existing procedures. Upon arrival in SA, consignments are inspected by either a business registered with PIRSA or PIRSA Biosecurity Officers. The SA Government has also waived biosecurity inspection fees which will assist drought-impacted farmers importing fodder from interstate. The PIRSA website has been updated with the revised WA green snail zones and covers the requirements for commercial hay imports. Ms Starcevich said the convoy would not make a huge dent in the organisation's stockpile, which would be kept strong to assist WA farmers should they require it. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson said they have assisted the SA Government by providing snail distribution data to help inform important requirements. 'While WA's cropping area is considered largely free from green snails – which are generally found on the coastal fringe between Lancelin and Busselton – there have been isolated detections near Albany, Kendenup and in the Beverley and Northam townsites,' they said. Green snails feed on leafy vegetables, cereal crops, pasture grasses, nursery plants and cut flowers. It is a reportable pest within the state. WA has and will continue to export hay to NSW and Victoria despite green snail. 'NSW and Victorian regulations for green snail allow for hay to be sourced from WA cropping areas that are outside a 25km buffer from a detection,' the DPIRD spokesperson said
7NEWS
03-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
South Australia's Coorong at risk as algae outbreak puts fragile ecosystem on the brink
The toxic algae bloom that has plagued South Australian coastlines since March has, 'unfortunately,' made its way into one of the state's most fragile ecosystems — the Coorong. Last week's powerful storm surge was initially welcomed, with hopes it would push cold, salty ocean water onto the shore to disrupt the bloom of the toxic micro-algae karenia mikimotoi algae. However, those same strong currents instead drove the algae back up the Murray River at Goolwa, entering the Coorong through the Murray Mouth — where the river meets the Southern Ocean. With ongoing drought conditions and tidal influences, the algae has now found an ideal environment in which it may be impossible to remove. Previously responsible for murky waters and thick sea foam along the Fleurieu Peninsula, Karenia mikimotoi is also suspected to be linked to the recent deaths of several sharks on Adelaide beaches. Ecologist and Coorong Environmental Trustee Faith Coleman expressed grave concern about the algae's intrusion into the Coorong's intricate ecosystem. 'Unfortunately, that amazing storm tide managed to push the Karenia straight into the northern lagoon of the Coorong, where it is blooming quite happily,' she said. 'Because of the unique nature of coastal lagoons, once something gets in, it rarely gets out.' The algae has now established itself in a 'sweet spot' at the end of the northern lagoon, where conditions — including high salinity, warm temperatures, and stagnant water — are perfect for it to thrive. Up to two metres of decomposing marine life, described as 'worm soup,' has already been found, with dead tubeworms and larvae washing ashore. Experts warn this could disrupt the already delicate food chain in the area. 'Many of the small organisms at the base of the food chain — those vital to shorebirds and fish — are now washing up dead,' Coleman said. 'There isn't anything that lives or grows in the water of the Coorong that is safe from this.' Local fisherman Glen Hill, owner of Coorong Wild Seafood, said the situation could devastate the region's fishing industry. 'I've bashed my head against the side of the chiller in frustration. I've cried my eyes out,' Hill told 7NEWS. 'If we lose the bottom of the food chain, what do the fish eat? 'Potentially, we could lose everything.' The storm system also stirred up sediment and, combined with the lack of fresh water, has spiked salinity levels in the Coorong. This has led to further environmental stress, with fish such as mullet, mulloway, and bony bream suffering visible gill damage — likely caused by the increasingly toxic conditions. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) confirmed they are investigating recent fish deaths but have not yet officially linked them to Karenia mikimotoi. 'We continue to work with other relevant government agencies on the current Karenia species algal bloom and associated fish deaths that have been occurring in South Australian waters since March,' a PIRSA spokesperson said in a statement to 7NEWS. Investigations are underway into reports of a bony bream fish kill in Woods Well Bay and a polychaete worm die-off near Long Point. Water samples have been collected and results are pending. 'Our role is to investigate any infectious or notifiable animal diseases that may have caused the fish deaths,' PIRSA said. The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) also confirmed the algae's entry into the Coorong was a known risk — and that any intervention, such as opening the barrages to flush water, could worsen the situation. 'The Coorong is open to the sea via the Murray Mouth and cannot be closed off from the ocean,' a DEW spokesperson said. 'During adverse weather and high tides, SA Water operates the barrages to minimise seawater entering Lake Alexandrina and to limit salinity impacts from reverse flows.' They added that although the tide pushed the algae in, the Coorong's natural connection to the Murray Mouth meant this could not be prevented. 'Pushing more water through the barrages to try to flush out the algae is unlikely to be effective and could risk spreading the bloom further south,' the spokesperson said. DEW confirmed it will continue monitoring the Coorong's northern lagoon and reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to protecting the area's ecological health. In the meantime, PIRSA and SA Health have advised the public not to collect or eat any dead or dying fish or marine organisms found along the shore. To report unusual sightings of fish kills or affected marine life, residents are urged to contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522. Concerns about water quality can be reported to the EPA at 1800 623 445 or by emailing yourepa@
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Oyster industry appeals for seafood lovers to return as toxic algae scares off customers
The rare toxic algae outbreak plaguing South Australian beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula has had a knock-on effect on the state's $60 million oyster industry. Farms at Coffin Bay and Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula, and farms on the West Coast at Streaky Bay, Smoky Bay and Denial Bay are all seeing a downturn in customers even though they remain unaffected by the algae. The South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) said in a media release that oysters harvested from unaffected areas across the state are safe to eat, with only a handful of oyster farms temporarily closed due to a separate brevetoxin bloom — not linked to the micro-algae karenia mikimotoi bloom. SAOGA chairperson Peter Treloar said the industry has been working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) following the closure of a handful of oyster farms. 'We have been working closely with PIRSA and give our full support to a precautionary closure of nine oyster farms in the confined growing regions of Stansbury, American River and Port Vincent,' he said. 'South Australian oyster growers remain compliant with strict government food safety standards which are heavily monitored on an ongoing basis to not only protect consumers but the product as well. 'All oysters harvested and sold commercially in SA undergo rigorous testing and quality control to meet national food safety standards. 'Consumers can be assured our growers take food safety very seriously and work closely with reputable suppliers who source from monitored regions.' The micro-algae karenia mikimotoi is causing the seafoam affecting beaches across the Fleurieu Peninsula as South Australian waters remain unseasonably warm. The foam — likened by some to the froth on a milkshake — and its effects were first noticed by surfers at Waitpinga, about 100km from Adelaide, on March 15, with the EPA reporting the algae has since been found on beaches from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay. Beachgoers and swimmers along the southern coast are being reminded to stay clear of water that may be discoloured or have the foam present. If any contact is made, people are advised to wash themselves in fresh water. SAOGA wants people to continue support the industry and purchasing from local farms, but said people should only buy from 'reputable' retailers. 'We are encouraging buyers to continue to support local growers by purchasing SA oysters from reputable seafood retailers and restaurants,' Treloar said. 'SAOGA is committed to supporting its growers as PIRSA continues to monitor the small number of SA oyster farms temporarily closed, as a precautionary measure by the bloom.'
