Part 4/10:
The bloom’s impact extends beyond ecological damage, severely affecting the local seafood sector—particularly oyster farming along the York Peninsula. The sheltered bays here have long been renowned for producing some of the best oysters in the world. However, the toxic algae has resulted in a complete shutdown of the industry for months, with farmers unable to harvest or sell oysters.
Steve Bowley, an oyster farmer in Sansbury with two decades of experience, lamented that it has been 75 days since he last sold an oyster. He warned that if the bloom persists for another three months without support, his entire livelihood could be irreparably compromised.