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The waters off Whyalla have been glowing with life again. Each winter, tens of thousands of giant cuttlefish gather to mate in a display so vivid it looks unreal. It’s a spectacle that’s become one of South Australia’s most treasured natural events.
This year, the cuttlefish have outdone themselves. More than 600,000 eggs have already hatched along the Cuttlefish Coast, and scientists expect close to 800,000 by the end of October. That’s despite an algal bloom that threatened to cloud the season.
To protect the species for good, the State Government has moved to lock in permanent safeguards through new legislation.
The Fisheries Management (Cuttlefish–Northern Spencer Gulf) Amendment Bill 2025 will make it illegal to take cuttlefish from the northern Spencer Gulf, with penalties reaching $20,000 for anyone who tries.
It’s a step that transforms temporary protections, first introduced in 2022, into lasting law — ensuring that future generations can continue to see this extraordinary event unfold.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven says the algal bloom has emphasised the importance of doing everything we can to protect South Australia’s marine life now and into the future.
“Each winter, these incredible animals create an underwater show that attracts visitors and divers from around the world,” she says.
“This Bill enshrines in law protections to help ensure future generations can continue to experience this extraordinary natural event.”
To help this year’s hatch survive the algal bloom, scientists and government agencies trialled something never before used in South Australia — a “bubble curtain”. The underwater wall helped shield up to 80,000 eggs from harm and gave researchers valuable insight into protecting marine life from environmental threats.
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood says the outcome proves innovation can work wonders.
“The bubble curtain was bold, and it worked,” she says.
“It’s exciting to see science used in such a creative way to protect our marine life.”
For Whyalla locals, the return of the cuttlefish is more than a natural wonder. It’s part of the town’s identity. A reminder of the magic beneath South Australian waters and a promise that these creatures will keep returning year after year.
