Giant Australian cuttlefish remain strong in numbers during this year's Point Lowly spawning aggregation, the latest annual estimate of abundance shows.
This year marks the second estimate taken since stronger protection for the species was put in place by the Malinauskas Government, and the first since the protection was made permanent.
100,042 individuals show that the species have rebounded over the past decade since the historic lows recorded in 2013 where numbers had declined to as low as 13,492 individuals.
The high variability of the species reinforces just how important the protective measures put in place are to manage the long-term sustainability of giant Australian cuttlefish, ensuring future generations can enjoy the incredible spectacle – the only known event of its type for this species anywhere in the world.
This natural phenomenon provides a platform for communities in the Upper Spencer Gulf to showcase their region as visitors flock to the region to witness it for themselves and take part in the surrounding festivities, with Whyalla holding yet another fantastic Cuttlefest throughout this year's spawning event.
The closure on the take of cuttlefish gives the community and tourism operators on the Upper Spencer Gulf a confidence that was taken away when the formal Marshall Liberal Government allowed the protection for the species to lapse in 2019.
The Malinauskas Government quickly implemented stronger protection for the giant Australian cuttlefish shortly after the last state election, banning the take of the species in the waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf, with the temporary measures in place last year under Section 79 of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 made permanent by regulation in May this year.
Since the stronger protective measures have been put in place, the public have helped PIRSA Fisheries Officers to detect a number of fishers illegally catching cuttlefish in the closed area north of Point Lowly, with on-the-spot fines of over $2300 handed out, and a large number of cuttlefish seized.
Fishers are reminded to be aware of fishing related rules before they go fishing, including species they are likely to catch and whether an intended fishing location is subject to any closures or restrictions.