Giant Australian Cuttlefish will be given greater protection in South Australia, with a temporary 90-day restriction coming into effect at their Upper Spencer Gulf breeding site from Wednesday, July 1.
The exclusion zone applies to an area of the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park, including the sanctuary zone between Black Point and Stony Point, and will restrict in-water recreational activities, including swimming, snorkelling and diving. Vessel anchoring will also be restricted.
The measure has been introduced to minimise disturbance to breeding cuttlefish and help protect their eggs and hatchlings, following latest surveys by the South Australian Research and Development Institute and the Department for Environment and Water, which showed a significant reduction in numbers this breeding season.
South Australian waters are the only place in the world where Giant Australian Cuttlefish gather annually to breed, with the natural spectacle taking place between May and August before eggs hatch from September through to late October.
Annual cuttlefish numbers naturally rise and fall, with SARDI surveys recording as few as 13,500 in 2013 and as many as 247,000 in 2020. Last year, about 64,000 cuttlefish were recorded in the region during the breeding season.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Emily Bourke said the temporary closure is about giving the population the best possible chance to recover.
“The State Government is doing everything possible to help protect our unique and iconic giant Australian cuttlefish population,” Minister Bourke said.
“This temporary closure is in the best interests of safeguarding these amazing creatures and giving them the best opportunity to breed and thrive at a time when numbers are considerably lower than previous years.
“South Australia’s coastline is among the best in the world and our network of marine parks helps protect and conserve marine ecosystems and habitats, attract visitors and support local economies.”
The temporary restriction can be revoked at any time by the Minister should cuttlefish numbers significantly increase. Surveys will continue during the remainder of the breeding season.
Tourism operators and Whyalla City Council have supported the move, with impacted cuttlefish tour operators able to apply for the Algal Bloom Small Business Support Grants through the Department of State Development.
Steve Storic, owner of Spencer Gulf Adventures, said protecting the breeding grounds was vital.
“The Giant Australian Cuttlefish is one of South Australia’s most unique natural wonders, and protecting their breeding grounds is vital,” Mr Storic said.
“While this season has been slower and later than expected, history has shown the population can recover strongly.
“We support measures that give these remarkable animals the best opportunity to breed successfully and ensure this world-class wildlife experience continues for generations to come.”
Whyalla Dive Shop owner Manny Katz also backed the temporary restriction, saying the remaining cuttlefish should be allowed to breed undisturbed.
“The Whyalla Dive Shop is in full support of this temporary restriction as it may deliver better outcomes for future cuttlefish populations,” Mr Katz said.
“With so many changes to our marine environments over recent years, it’s imperative that we take actions to protect this unique wildlife aggregation however possible.”
Cuttys Boat Tours owner and operator Matt Waller said the closure was the right move given the low numbers at the reef.
“Unfortunately there are next to no Giant Cuttlefish present on the Cuttlefish Reef,” Mr Waller said.
“We believe the few remaining animals should be left undisturbed to do what they need to do to survive, without human interference.
“Whyalla is more than just cuttlefish – the rest is still open and is waiting to welcome visitors.”
While the breeding site will be temporarily restricted, visitors are still being encouraged to explore Whyalla’s other attractions, including Ada Ryan Gardens, Whyalla Conservation Park, the HMAS Whyalla Ship Tour, the Maritime Museum, and the city’s circular jetty.
Last November, the State Government passed laws prohibiting the taking of Giant Australian Cuttlefish in northern Spencer Gulf, with anyone caught taking the cuttlefish facing fines of up to $20,000.
