SA's cuttlefish numbers continue to grow

The number of giant cuttlefish in South Australia's upper Spencer Gulf continue to rise after concerns for the species.

two male giant Australian cuttlefish

The number of giant cuttlefish in South Australia's upper Spencer Gulf are on the rise. (AAP)

Giant cuttlefish numbers at a unique spawning ground in South Australia's Spencer Gulf are up 20 per cent, according to the latest survey.

Fisheries and aquaculture executive director Sean Sloan says the increase continues to build on the recovery of the species since a significant decline in 2013.

"The increase in cuttlefish numbers is excellent news, and the state government will maintain a temporary fishing closure for another 12 months to further protect this iconic species," Mr Sloan said.

The latest survey put cuttlefish numbers at about 150,000, up from about 125,000 last year.

The state government put protections in place in response to rising concerns for the spawning ground at Point Lowly, considered the only one of its kind in the world.

Under current arrangements, cuttlefish cannot be taken from the northern Spencer Gulf until at least February 2020.


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Source: AAP


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