A 90-day exclusion zone in the world-famous Giant Australian Cuttlefish breeding area near Whyalla will be activated from 1 July.
The temporary restriction on recreational activities at their Upper Spencer Gulf site – including swimming, snorkelling and diving, as well as vessel anchoring – aims to minimise any disturbance on breeding cuttlefish and help protect their eggs and hatchlings.
Latest surveys undertaken by the South Australian Research and Development Institute and Department for 
Environment and Water show a significant reduction in cuttlefish numbers this breeding season.
The restrictions, which apply to an area of Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park including the sanctuary zone between Black Point and Stony Point, can be revoked at any time by the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water should cuttlefish numbers significantly increase.
Impacted cuttlefish tour operators will be able to apply for the Algal Bloom Small Business Support Grants. Those businesses are encouraged to contact the Department of State Development to apply.
Annual cuttlefish numbers naturally rise and fall from year to year. Since SARDI surveys began in 1998, numbers have ranged from a minimum of 13,500 in 2013 to 247,000 in 2020.
Notably, after concern for the low number in 2013, the population estimate rapidly increased to more than 100,000 by 2015.
South Australian waters are the only place in the world where the giant cuttlefish congregate annually to breed between May and August before their eggs hatch in September through to late October. Last year, about 64,000 cuttlefish were recorded in the region during last year’s breeding season. Surveys will continue during the remainder of the breeding season.
Spencer Gulf Adventures owner Steve Storic said that the Giant Australian Cuttlefish is one of South Australia's most unique natural wonders, and protecting their breeding grounds is vital.
“While this season has been slower and later than expected, history has shown the population can recover strongly,” Mr Storic said.
“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.”
The sentiment was backed by Whyalla Dive Shop owner Manny Katz.
“We hope to share the world-renowned cuttlefish with the public in future years, but for now we’d like to give the small amount of cuttlefish that are present the chance to go through their breeding cycle undisturbed,” Mr Katz said.
