State law secures future for Whyalla’s giant cuttlefish

Whyalla’s giant cuttlefish aggregation will now be permanently protected under new state legislation.

The Fishers Management Amendment Bill bans the taking of cuttlefish in the northern Spencer Gulf, with penalties of up to $20,000 for offenders.

The new legislation will provide greater certainty on the ban while maintaining existing allowances for research and monitoring.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the move safeguards one of our state’s most extraordinary natural events.

Whyalla’s cuttlefish have remained relatively unaffected by the state’s ongoing toxic algal bloom.

It’s estimated 64,000 giant cuttlefish bred at Point Lowly this season.