The Malinauskas Labor Government has enacted regulation change to make the closure on the taking of Giant Australian Cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf permanent from 1 May 2023.
Prior to the last state election, the then Labor opposition committed to better protection for the Giant Australian Cuttlefish, whose breeding aggregation in the Upper Spencer Gulf is the only known event of its type for this species anywhere in the world.
The State Government worked quickly last year to put in place temporary arrangements that were in place during the 2022 spawning event, which saw a 28% increase in cuttlefish numbers compared to 2021, after the former Liberal government allowed protection to lapse and failed to provide any new protection.
The Cuttlefish aggregation provides an incredible tourism platform for communities around the Upper Spencer Gulf, and in particular Whyalla.
In making the protection permanent, it gives the community and tourism operators on the Upper Spencer Gulf confidence to continue to build upon what is already a hugely popular nature-based tourism experience, while giving the iconic Giant Australian Cuttlefish the best chance to grow in numbers well into the future.
Quotes
Attributable to Clare Scriven
After putting in place temporary arrangements last year to protect the Giant Australian Cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf, I am pleased that we have been able to make the change permanent in time for the aggregation event this year.
Having visited Whyalla last year, I can say firsthand it truly is an amazing show of nature, the kind of which doesn't occur anywhere else in the world.
This is also opportunity for Whyalla and the surrounding regions to showcase themselves to the increasing number of tourists who come to see this incredible event.
Once again, I thank Eddie Hughes for his advocacy in clearly putting forward the views of his community on this important issue.
Attributable to Eddie Hughes
We promised in the lead up to the last election to reinstate full protection for the Giant Australian Cuttlefish aggregation near Whyalla and reverse the Liberal Government's reduction of protection.
We reinstated full protection within weeks of being elected and we are now making that full protection permanent.
The Malinauskas Government recognises the globally unique nature of the spectacular cuttlefish breeding aggregation and the important role it plays in attracting divers to Whyalla during the breeding season.
With the addition of Cutty's Tours glass bottom boat even more people can check out the cuttlefish.
The Albanese Government has also played its part with the Heritage listing of the aggregation.
