The South Australian Government has unveiled a major $102.5 million initiative aimed at accelerating marine ecosystem recovery following this year’s severe algal bloom, with a strong focus on empowering communities to take part in hands-on restoration.

Announced by Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood, the expanded summer program builds on existing grassroots efforts and introduces new opportunities for South Australians eager to support their coastline.

A centerpiece of the plan is the boost to seagrass restoration across Gulf St Vincent. The volunteer-led “Seeds for Snapper Adelaide” program, based at North Haven, invites locals to collect seagrass seeds washed ashore, which are later cleaned, sorted and placed into biodegradable sandbags before being replanted underwater. More than 50,000 seedlings have been restored in the past five years, with further work scheduled for the coming summer.

Minister Hood said the Government is responding directly to community calls for practical involvement. She highlighted the vital role of volunteers in citizen science, shoreline monitoring, and on-ground recovery: “South Australians are passionate about their marine environment… expanding these efforts to get more people involved will strengthen our recovery from this unprecedented event.”

Another key component is the expansion of shellfish reef rebuilding. The first public shell recycling bin has opened at the Tennyson Dunes carpark, encouraging residents to donate oyster, mussel and scallop shells. Once collected, the shells are cleaned and repurposed at Garden Island to form the foundations of new community-led shellfish reefs.

Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost welcomed the joint state–federal effort, noting that residents have been calling for meaningful, practical action. “People want to get involved, they want to help, and they want to feel part of the solution,” she said.

OzFish South Australia Project Manager Brad Martin also emphasised the ecological importance of seagrasses, which stabilise seabed sediments, improve water quality and store significant amounts of carbon — up to 35 times more per hectare than a rainforest.

To streamline participation, the Government has launched a new volunteer portal at algalbloom.sa.gov.au/get-involved, offering registrations for seagrass planting days, shellfish reef projects, and beach clean-ups. A community “Shells for Reefs” celebration will take place at Henley Square on Sunday 7 December, inviting South Australians to join the growing movement for a healthier coast.

Read the article here: https://glamadelaide.com.au/south-australia-launches-102-5-million-initiative-to-restore-marine-life-and-tackle-algal-bloom-recovery/