Underwater drones finally deployed to see damage caused by toxic algal bloom
An underwater mission is currently underway to carry out crucial tests on the toxic algal bloom lingering off the South Australian coast.
The drones deployed from the Great Southern Ranger vessel, aims to provide crucial data on the extent of the environmental damage caused by the algae, investigating the damage up close.
"It's an important trip. It's the first time we've been able to get to some of these sites and give us some good information to see what we think going forward," Professor Gavin Begg said.
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An underwater mission is currently underway to carry out crucial tests on the toxic algal bloom lingering off the South Australian coast. 9News
However, some say it should have happened weeks ago.
"They'd had their first meeting of a taskforce to send a boat out to monitor," federal Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
"This should have been happening weeks and weeks ago."
A community meeting held at Seacliff highlighted the widespread frustration, with hundreds demanding increased action and attention.
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The drones deployed from the Great Southern Ranger vessel, aims to provide crucial data on the extent of the environmental damage caused by the algae 9News
"They've taken too long to start to monitor this properly. They've taken too long to provide any assistance," state opposition MP Nicola Centofanti said.
The state government hasn't heard back from federal counterparts about if and when the bloom will be declared a national disaster, but many are concerned the decision is taking too long.
"Peter Malinauskas, pick up the phone mate and call the prime minister," Hanson-Young said.
"Ask him for his help…
"The South Australian government have been caught flat-footed."
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
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