Help save the Giant Australian Cuttlefish Whyalla breeding ground (Lowly Point)

Closure of giant cuttlefish fishery extended
FIS - Friday, February 13, 2015, 22:20 (GMT + 9)


The temporary closure to all fishing for cuttlefish in northern Spencer Gulf has been extended until 15 February 2016 as part of the South Australia Government’s management of the iconic species.

The closure includes all waters north of a line commencing near Arno Bay on Eyre Peninsula, to Wallaroo on Yorke Peninsula. It is in addition to the permanent cephalopod (squid, cuttlefish and octopus) fishing closure in the waters of False Bay.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said the closure, initially implemented in March 2013, was a precautionary measure while research into the behaviour of the giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) in the northern Spencer Gulf region continues.

“This closure applies to the targeting and take of cuttlefish, so any cuttlefish inadvertently caught must be immediately and carefully returned to the water,” Bignell said.

“However if you are fishing outside the False Bay area but within the northern Spencer Gulf closure area you will still be able to continue to fish for squid and octopus.”

The minister said various research projects overseen by the Government’s Cuttlefish Working Group are helping to provide some insights into giant Australian cuttlefish.

“The population dynamics of cuttlefish in northern Spencer Gulf are complex. Last year’s survey verified the first population increase of cuttlefish recorded in six years, 57,317, up from the 2013 figures of 13,492.

“However until we can confirm from this year’s survey that this upward trend is ongoing, management measures such as the northern Spencer Gulf closure need to remain in place.”

Bignell said commitment by all levels of government would help to find out more about this symbolic species.

“There are a number of projects underway as part of AUD 805,000 (USD 624,000) in research funding granted by the State Government and the Commonwealth. This work will assist in determining the future management actions required to ensure their sustainability and health.”
 
Washed up cuttlefish bones a 'positive' sign for ongoing population recovery in South Australian
2015 April 9

Giant Australian cuttlefish off the waters of South Australia are showing positive signs of an ongoing population recovery, locals say.

Tony Bramley from Whyalla Diving Services said plenty of cuttlefish bones were washing up and that was a good sign ahead of the breeding season that began in about a month.

"I'm getting good feedback from locals and fishermen that are telling me that they are seeing cuttlefish bones in the tidal streams," he said.

"I'm noticing them myself washing up on the beaches and people are coming in with reports of the occasional accidental catch."

Mr Bramley was surprised last year when higher than expected numbers turned up for the start of the breeding season.

He had not been expecting many cuttlefish because the population had been in severe decline and there had been little signs of them gathering offshore.

This year, however, it was looking very positive, he said, although it was too early to predict numbers.

"They'll be out in the deeper waters at this stage off Whyalla," Mr Bramley said.

"We don't expect them to come in to the shallows where they're visible as an aggregation until the water cools down a bit more.

"But to get reports of the number and frequency that we've been getting in the last couple of weeks is very, very encouraging."
 
Cuttlefish monitoring underway as Whyalla area citizen scientists help SARDI
Locals near Whyalla are taking part in a citizen science program monitoring cuttlefish in the area.

The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) recently held a training session, which was attended by 12 people.

SARDI's Dr Mike Steer said locals had been enthusiastic about the program, which formalised work they had already been doing.

He said the data the citizen scientists collected was collated with SARDI's own information.

"What we've just done is provided them with a standard methodology of how to go out and assess the population which just relates to running out a series of underwater transects and counting and measuring cuttlefish that fall within that transect," he said.

"They're iconic species that occurs in their local patch, so it's really great to see the community taking some sort of ownership and commitment in ensuring the sustainability of this fascinating creature."
 
Encouraging signs for giant Australian cuttlefish recovery
Posted on June 22, 2015

It is with great delight that we wish to report some observations from the 2015 giant Australian cuttlefish aggregation in Upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia. As many friends of the cuttlefish will already know, the population gathers from the surrounding waters of Northern Spencer Gulf (north of Wallaroo and Arno Bay) each winter. They arrive en masse along the Point Lowly peninsula where they seek out mates and lay their eggs on the rocky inshore reefs of Whyalla, Black Point, Stony Point and Point Lowly.

The monitored decline in population (1998-2013) has been a matter of great concern to local residents, the dive community, conservationists and fishermen. Back in the late 1990’s, there were an estimated 250,000 animals arriving annually at the aggregation areas. By 2013, that number had dropped to 13,500. In 2014 there was cautious optimism, as the downward trend turned a corner. The population increased to around 57,000 animals. We last listed some of the factors which may have contributed to the decline on Cuttlefish Day, 10 October 2013- during the annual celebration of all things cephalopod: Cephalopod Awareness Days.

This year’s early observations were promising, with local divers noticing that the average size of observed animals had increased- a possible indicator of improving animal health. A recent trip made by the Flinders University Underwater Club returned some amazing photographs, including those featured in this post by Chris Carthew. The group shots reveal the animals’ clear and visible abundance. Local divers estimate that numbers may have doubled again from 2014 figures, but official numbers collected by SARDI and corporate-contracted scientists are yet to confirm this.

If you haven’t already seen the cuttlefish yourself, now would be an excellent time to plan a trip. The animals start arriving in May each year, and remain easily visible through August. In a good season, the animals may also be present in September, though by this time, the majority of animals will have laid their eggs and passed away. Both male and female cuttlefish die after mating and laying their eggs, meaning that every year the majority of animals present represent an entirely new generation.

There are a few common misconceptions about the accessibility of the cuttlefish aggregation. Firstly, you don’t need to be able to dive in order to see them up close and appreciate them. Nor do you need a boat, nor do you need your own wetsuit. Local business Whyalla Diving Services and its proprietor Tony Bramley have everything you will need- expert knowledge, wetsuits, snorkels, fins, weights, torches for night explorations and scuba tanks if you’re qualified and want to dive.

The animals aggregate in shallow water (mostly 3-6 metres), along rocky inshore fringing reef, accessible from the shore. The two most popular spots, Black Point and Stony Point both have car-parking and easy descents to the water’s edge. Black Point has a staircase down a cliff to the rocky shore, and Stony Point has a gentler entry down an artificial walkway.

We maintain that the giant Australian cuttlefish is a marine wonder of the natural world, and it is with great relief and joy that we share this good news with you. Vigilance in defense of this habitat is ever necessary however, as plans to industrialise the region are ever present. Last week, we drew attention to Sundrop Farms’ plan to dump desalination brine into Upper Spencer Gulf upstream of the cuttlefish aggregation areas. A plan for a mineral export port at Port Bonython, which would run through the existing Stony Point reef is also pending approval. A decision is expected by June 30 this year.

The only thing that will protect the cuttlefish and their breeding area is community support- something we have been fostering through this website since it was launched in August 2011. If you want to show the cuttlefish some love, please consider signing our petition, or making a donation to our ongoing work to draw attention to this natural wonder and see that it receives the protection, management and careful study that we believe it deserves. The independent, feature-length documentary film, Cuttlefish Country is currently in post-production and your donations will support its release, promotion and international distribution.
 
Giant Cuttlefish comeback
BRYN LEWIS July 20, 2015 Whyalla News

...
Giant Australian Cuttlefish have returned to waters near Point Lowly en masse with numbers tipped to be more than 150,000.

Local diver Tony Bramley said there was a visible abundance of the species, Sepia Apama, estimating numbers this breeding season have more than doubled from 2014 figures which recorded around 60,000. ...
 
Giant cuttlefish numbers are soaring after nearly disappearing
The Advertiser Brad Crouch September 25, 2015


GIANT cuttlefish – the “rock stars” of SA’s marine environment – are rebounding in huge numbers near Whyalla, just a few years after the population had all but disappeared.

New figures show a dramatic increase in the world’s largest cuttlefish at rocky ledges off Port Lowly, where they gather to breed annually.

The population has increased by 128 per cent to more than 130,000 compared to 57,000 last year — also an increase on the previous year.

Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said the giant Australian cuttlefish was an iconic South Australian species which drew visitors from all over the world. Tourists dive in the shallow waters and watch the cuttlefish light up spectacularly during mating rituals.

“Just a few years ago, the cuttlefish population all but disappeared for some reason,” Mr Bignell said.

“This year’s survey by the South Australian Research and Development Institute shows conditions have been very favourable over the last two spawning seasons.


“The Whyalla Cuttlefish Citizen Scientist Group has again been active this year, undertaking surveys throughout the season to complement SARDI’s formal monitoring program.

“It’s so good to see the willingness and enthusiasm of local divers to get involved in the research and it goes to show just how valued this remarkable species is.”

Conservation Council SA chief executive Craig Wilkins said the results were encouraging. “The Giant Australian Cuttlefish are the rock stars of South Australia’s marine environment,” he said.

“This year’s numbers provide a promising sign the population is recovering from the dramatic low seen in 2013.

“That’s tremendous news.”
 
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Giant cuttlefish numbers bounce back in South Australian waters, numbers up 128 per cent this year

Breeding numbers of giant cuttlefish are bouncing back in South Australian waters, with a 128 per cent rise this season.

Fears had been held for the sepia apamaspecies population, when in 2013 numbers dropped to 13,500.

But two consecutive years of growth has seen the population rise back to an estimated 130,771 this year.

Dr Michael Steer has researched giant cuttlefish for the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) for more than a decade. ...

 
Whyalla close to the heart of Cuttlefish Country

This year Whyalla will be the first town in the state to hold a screening for the feature-length environmental documentary Cuttlefish Country produced by Daniel and Emma Monceaux.

The film documents the clash between industry and environment as the industrialisation around Point Lowly threatens the habitat of the Giant Australian Cuttlefish who migrate there every year for breeding purposes. ...
 
Weekend cuttlefish dive sold out
June 29, 2016
A Giant Cuttlefish dive to be held in Stony Point this week has sold out as residents gather to catch a glimpse of Whyalla’s signature sea creature.

The dive will take place over four days from Thursday through to Sunday, with good conditions expected for most of the event.

The event will be hosted by Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries, and Executive Officer Carl Church said this is the first time the dive has been held in Whyalla.

“We’ve received some good support from the community, we’ve been forced to close registrations because over 600 people have signed up,” he said.

“Those who still want to participate in the dive will have to bring their own diving gear because we have run out of supplies.”

Following a safety briefing participants will be heading into the water in groups of six with a certified instructor.
 
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Why we're watching the giant Australian cuttlefish
August 15, 2018 by Bronwyn Gillanders, The Conversation


whywerewatch.jpg


Australia is home to the world's only known site where cuttlefish gather to mate en masse.

From May to August, if you head into the water around Point Lowly, South Australia, it will be a chilly 12℃. But you'll be able to observe what look like aliens – hundreds, even thousands of tentacled organisms with their unusual distinctive W-shaped eye pupils, and pulsating colours moving across their body.

Intent on mating, the cuttlefish will be totally oblivious to your presence.

But this population of cuttlefish dropped in abundance from an estimated 150,000 animals in the late 1990s to only 13,492 in 2013.

Although counts in recent years suggest the creatures have recovered, my research aims to determine what sorts of factors influence this very unique cuttlefish population. This may allow us to better manage and protect the species – important not just for science, but also for the local environment and economy.
...
 
Supporters concerned for Giant Australian Cuttlefish as fishing ban lifted in Upper Spencer Gulf
ABC North and West SA /By Luke Radford 4/30/2020

...
Key points:
  • The South Australian Government has lifted a ban on catching the Giant Australian Cuttlefish in Upper Spencer Gulf
  • The world-famous breeding site at Point Lowly/False Bay is not affected and will remain closed to fishing for Cephalopods
  • The Government says the Cuttlefish population has recovered from its historic low point in 2013, but supporters are worried the species could again be put at risk
...
 

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