Fears summer temperatures will exacerbate the impacts of the algal bloom that has devasted South Australian beaches are prompting calls for an immediate action plan.

The state government has opened an algal bloom phone hotline from Friday, saying it will allow people to get “accurate, timely and consistent information about the algal bloom affecting parts of South Australia”.

It was announced during the latest algal bloom update with federal Environment Minister Murray Watt, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Environment Minister Lucy Hood.

SARDI executive director Professor Mike Steer said the bloom was “still persisting in the areas predominantly around the metropolitan coastline”.

Its highest-density area was from the northern Gulf of St Vincent down to Brighton, he said.

There is no bloom in areas of the Northern Spencer Gulf – home to the giant cuttlefish.

Steer said SARDI was monitoring 94 coastal sites, and there were “still promising trends of the brevetoxin levels going down in parts of York Peninsula”.

Watt said the hotline would be “key in helping local communities get the information they need”.

The state government said the free 1800 774 779 hotline would make it easier for people to connect with algal bloom support services. Callers will be able to:

• Seek general information about the algal bloom;
• Ask questions about industry support, including how to apply for business grants;
• Get the latest health advice, including access to mental health services;
• Report fish kills or dead sharks;
• Report sick or dead wildlife, such as marine mammals.

Hotline operators will also be available to answer general questions, including whether it is safe to visit the beach and that commercially available seafood from South Australian waters remains safe to eat.

Malinauskas said his government was committed to providing accurate information and the hotline would keep the community informed.

“We know some people will continue to have questions about the bloom, especially if it continues to affect parts of our coastline over summer,” he said.

“This hotline, along with the state government’s dedicated algal bloom website and our program of community forums, will continue to ensure people have access to information they can trust.”

It comes as the SA opposition calls for a “much-anticipated” summer plan for dealing with the algal bloom crisis to be released.

Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia said South Australians were already “turning their minds to end of year holidays and beach activities”.

“It’s impossible for them to plan ahead without clear health advice or contingencies for beach closures,” Tarzia said.

“The government’s handling of the crisis from day one has been flat footed and lacklustre.”

Malinauskas said on Thursday the state government was finalising its summer plan in conjunction with the Commonwealth. It is expected to be released in October.