Arabic version: مزارعو المحار في جنوب أستراليا يتعاملون مع التعافي من ازدهار الطحالب

According to ABC News, South Australian oyster growers are cautiously optimistic nearly 12 months after some harvesting regions reopened following last year’s harmful algal bloom. Recovery is progressing at different speeds across the coastline, while producers watch for the possibility of another bloom as water temperatures rise.

Simon and Meagan Turner operate at Franklin Harbour on the Eyre Peninsula, in one of the state’s largest growing regions north-west of Adelaide. The area was closed for four months and reopened in November. Mr Turner said oysters were healthy and that dolphins and benthic feeders returning to the bay were a positive indicator.

However, growers have less stock in the water after holding back young oysters during closures and uncertainty last year. Because oysters take about 12 to 15 months to grow, Mr Turner said the production effects were only now becoming apparent. The Turner family has about 40 per cent less stock than normal, despite government support during the bloom and what Mr Turner described as an extremely good financial year since reopening.

At Stansbury across Spencer Gulf, Steve Bowley said he had not added new stock for at least 18 months. He reported more barnacles and dead weed damaging infrastructure, higher oyster mortalities and an estimated $400,000 decline in business value. South Australian Oyster Growers’ Association chair Peter Treloar said the industry felt relieved, with production occurring and growers looking ahead to Christmas sales, though uncertainty remains over the coming summer.