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Research project helping cuttlefish

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11/9/2013 13:23



A suite of research projects are helping to shed light on the reasons for and ways to combat the Giant Australian Cuttlefish population’s decline in the northern Spencer Gulf.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Gail Gago said a recently commenced study is investigating the potential impacts of noise and turbidity from shipping traffic on the animal.

“The University of Adelaide has received funding of $150, 000 from the Australian government’s Sustainable Regional Development program for the study, ” Ms Gago said.

The various projects commenced during the 2013 breeding season were made possible with state and federal government funding of $715, 000 and are being undertaken by the South Australian  Research and Development Institute, the University of Adelaide and Environment Protection Authority.

The studies include the continued monitoring of the breeding aggregation population, investigation and assessment of potential alternative spawning areas in the region, research on preferred egglaying habitat, and a further study on movement patterns and population structure.

Preliminary results of the 2013 population survey showed an aggregation of approximately 13, 500 animals at the renowned Point Lowly site, which is a 27 percent decline in the population from 2012. 

The results show a slower pace in the decline compared to an estimated 64 percent between 2010 and 2011 and 52 percent between 2011 and 2012.

Ms Gago said while the level of decline had slowed it remained a concern, reinforcing the government’s commitment to research and management measures to protect the species.

“This year’s surveys have revealed an estimated biomass of 6.8 tonnes of Giant Cuttlefish gathered at the Point Lowly site during the 2013 spawning season, ” Ms Gago said.

“Research to date had been unable to pinpoint an exact cause for the decline, but work will continue on a range of research projects to investigate and assist the government in making informed decisions for the future protection and recovery of the species.

“As a precautionary measure, a number of fisheries management changes have also been implemented to further protect the species, including the temporary closure to fishing for all cuttlefish in northern Spencer Gulf which was introduced in March this year.”

Ms Gago said the short and long-term research projects were identified by the Giant Cuttlefish Working Group to help address significant gaps in knowledge of the population in northern Spencer Gulf.



Whyalla News
Sept. 10, 2013
 

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