The algal bloom is gone, but its effects remain
Marine Biology
Diver Jeff Bowey has been exploring the waters off Port Augusta for 10 years.
In short:
Fishing rules will get tougher on May 1.
Tackle shop owner Alicia Bolitho will lose money because of squid fishing closures.
What's next?
Professor Ivan Nagelkerken says some species may take years to recover.
The algal bloom was first seen over a year ago.
The government says the bloom is now 'effectively clear'.
Communities are still feeling the effects of the bloom.
Jeff Bowey says the water around Port Augusta looks like a desert.
Jeff Bowey has been diving in Port Augusta for 10 years.
He says the water is usually great for marine life, but not now.
There are usually many colorful sea slugs in the water.
Dead fish were found at Corny Point.
Something is wrong with the water, but we don't know what.
The government will keep watching the water, but Jeff Bowey wants more action.
Squid is a popular catch in the Eyre Peninsula.
Divers see the changes in the water, but politicians don't.
Professor Nagelkerken says it's hard to know how many animals died.
Ivan Nagelkerken is a professor of marine ecology.
Fishermen say their catches have dropped a lot.
The government says it's time to start recovering from the bloom.
Some species may take years or decades to recover.
Squid grow quickly, but it depends on the situation.
The algal bloom was first detected in March 2025.
Squid lay eggs, which is different from other fish.
We need many squid to be able to lay eggs for the population to recover.
Alicia Bolitho's business will lose money because of the squid closures.
She expects to sell fewer squid fishing supplies.
The closures will hurt her business, but she hopes it will help in the long run.
Alicia Bolitho thinks snapper might be eating the squid.
There were fewer snapper, but now there are many again.
If snapper are eating the squid, it could be a problem.
Alicia Bolitho says squid are coming back, but not quickly enough.
The government says there's no proof that snapper are hurting squid populations.
Snapper eat many things, but squid are not their main food.
The government will keep protecting snapper to help them recover.
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