The annual scientific count of the Giant Australian Cuttlefish spawning aggregation population in South Australia's northern Spencer Gulf recorded a healthy tally of about 107,000 animals.
The population is in keeping with abundant fish numbers recorded over recent years and follows a record count of nearly 250,000 animals last year.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the population fluctuation recorded in the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) survey highlights the natural variability of this species.
"There has been a significant change in numbers year-on-year, and this year's count follows an exceptionally high number recorded in 2020," Minister Basham said.
"The population has rebounded strongly from the critically low count of about 13,000 in 2013, and pleasingly this year's numbers are higher than the average over the past decade.
"This year the State Government increased the protection zone during the breeding season. In addition to the permanent cephalopod fishing ban, which is in place to protect the Giant Australian Cuttlefish at False Bay, we implemented a temporary 100-metre fishing exclusion zone around Point Lowly.
"The population data over the past few years should give local tourism operators great confidence this species has rebounded back and the Whyalla community can look forward to bright future.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is also proud to be partnering with the Whyalla City Council to deliver the $4 million Cuttlefish Sanctuary Tourism and Conservation Project."
Dr Mike Steer, the Research Director of SARDI's Aquatic Sciences, said last year's population in the area was exceptionally high, but that this year's tally was in keeping with the numbers recorded over the last decade.
"This species has a life cycle of less than 18 months, so large variations in the population size are expected," Dr Steer said.
The survey results have been provided to the Giant Australian Cuttlefish Working Group, which met today.
The Working Group provides advice to the Minister in relation to management arrangements to protect the cuttlefish spawning aggregation.
Since 2013, the South Australian Government has contributed more than $860,000 for research to ensure we understand as much as possible to support the management of this species.
For more information visit: pir.sa.gov.au/cuttlefish
