The state premier has declared an algal bloom catastrophe that has turned usually pristine South Australian waters toxic green and suffocated masses of marine life a "natural disaster."
The algal bloom - a rapid increase in the algae population in water systems – has been spreading since March and is now twice the size of the country's capital territory.
The federal government has unveiled an assistance package of A$14m ($9m; £6.7m) but refused to designate the event a natural disaster—a term usually used for cyclones, floods, and bushfires—which would trigger a greater response.
Authorities say more than 400 species of marine life have died, and industries are suffering.
Algal blooms are naturally occurring but are caused by ocean warming, marine heat waves, and nutrient pollution—all of which are direct results of climate change.
"This is a natural disaster and should be acknowledged as such... I think politicians can do themselves a disservice when they get caught up in technicalities," South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Tuesday.
He announced his government would match the federal government's A$14m funding, with money to go towards research, clean up, and industry support measures.
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