South Australian Seafood Industry Reports Sales Uptick and Regional Reopening\n\nSections of South Australia's seafood industry have reported an increase in sales during the festive season, following a year impacted by a state-wide algal bloom. Concurrently, the Stansbury shellfish harvesting region off Yorke Peninsula has reopened. This reopening occurred after the pre-Christmas sales period, affecting the immediate ability of oyster growers in the region to capitalize on holiday demand.\n\n## Consumer Confidence and Government Support\n\nThe algal bloom, initially detected in March of the previous year, led to reduced consumer confidence in local seafood and caused fish mortality along the South Australian coast. Michael Violante, manager of Adelaide fish market Seafood Works, stated that the recovery process had been gradual. He reported a decrease in customer numbers, with some months experiencing a reduction of 1,000 customers. This situation created uncertainty regarding inventory levels leading up to Christmas; however, an increase in customer attendance was subsequently observed.\n\nMr. Violante attributed this rise in consumer confidence to the state government's dining cashback scheme. Since early November, voucher holders have redeemed 50 percent off purchases from algal bloom-affected hospitality businesses and seafood retailers, up to a value of $50. Mr. Violante noted that the introduction of these vouchers contributed to their business recovery, with over 600 vouchers utilized, representing approximately $60,000 in sales. While these sales did not fully offset revenue losses from the preceding eight months, Mr. Violante stated they offered a basis for operations in 2026. He highlighted that December accounts for nearly a quarter of their annual revenue and reported that by Christmas Day, customer numbers had surpassed the previous year by six individuals. The expectation is that consumer confidence in seafood will continue following the conclusion of the voucher scheme.\n\n## Stansbury Shellfish Area Reopens\n\nSteve Bowley, owner of Pacific Estate Oysters, indicated that the reopening of the harvesting area occurred approximately one week after the Christmas sales period. The Yorke Peninsula farmer had ceased oyster sales since May, when the Stansbury shellfish harvesting area closed due to elevated brevetoxin levels associated with the algal bloom. The SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions lifted these restrictions on New Year's Eve, following test results from December 22 that determined the oysters were safe for consumption. Mr. Bowley described this decision as significant, given the 241-day closure of the harvesting area, and expressed anticipation for resuming operations. He stated that state and federal relief grants, along with personal savings and superannuation, were crucial for his financial stability during the closure.\n\n## Future Outlook and Ongoing Challenges\n\nThe state government maintains a restrained positive outlook, citing recent test results showing absent or low levels of Karenia species at relevant testing sites. However, Mr. Bowley noted that the situation is subject to ongoing change, as "pockets of the bloom" persist. He indicated that another closure would necessitate a recall of commercial product, incurring substantial costs.\n\nKyri Toumazos, executive officer of Seafood Industry SA, identified Easter as the next major event for the industry, occurring in April. The dining cashback scheme is scheduled to conclude at the end of March. Mr. Toumazos expressed the anticipation that seafood consumption patterns would continue beyond this period, noting the significance of the post-Christmas and New Year period leading into Easter as a high-value period for seafood trade. He stated that the government is collaborating with the industry, impacting the outlook for the next quarter. Mr. Bowley has a limited timeframe to sell his oyster stock before their natural reproduction cycle begins and encouraged consumers to purchase from local farmers. He confirmed that ten growers in Gulf St Vincent have been affected and that a substantial quantity of stock is available for sale.