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Whyalla’s Cuttlefest continues to grow with some exciting new features on the table for 2019.
Along with an increase in supervised snorkel dives from the Stony Point cuttlefish site, there will be host of events, activities, art, information sessions and an inaugural opening ceremony on June 1 at the Whyalla foreshore.
The City of Whyalla is working with Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS), Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula (NREP), Department for Environment and Water (DEW) marine parks, South Australia Tourism Commission (SATC), local dive operators and the community to put together a big program for this year’s event between June and August.
A highlight of Cuttlefest remains the EMS supervised snorkels off Stony Point in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park with Eyre Peninsula locals being offered a 50% discount.
The Giant Australian Cuttlefish (Sepia apama which is part of the cephalopod family) swarm into rocky areas off the Whyalla coast during June, July and August to mate (aggregate) and lay their eggs. It is the only known location this happens in the world, making it an amazingly unique experience in the shallow waters off our coast.
Whyalla Visitor Centre Team leader, and qualified diver, Teresa Coles says the snorkels are not only spectacular, they are very easy and accessible for most people with snorkelling the easiest way to witness this natural phenomenon.
“People are pleasantly surprised how easy it is to get into the water and then blown away by the sight of these amazing creatures as they put on their spectacular light displays during mating,” Teresa said.
“Cuttlefest is helping make it even easier for people to experience this incredible event while helping us to further understand and protect these cuttlefish.
“By working with local operators, EMS and NREP, we are not only providing a platform for people to see these creatures, we are helping build a solid core of knowledge and understanding that is going to assist in protecting this species and allow it to flourish in our waters.”
FAMILY EVENT: The Thomson family of Whyalla after their snorkel at last year's CuttleFest.
Much of this knowledge is passed on through the Cuttlefest events around Whyalla. The EMS Curious Cuttles night returns again this year, after being booked out last year, while displays in venues like the library and Council offices will again be a feature.
Council is also working hard to have new change rooms finished at the Stony Point dive site in time for this year’s cuttlefish season. New toilets and upgrades to the site were completed last year with both programs jointly funded by Council and the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board.
“These initiatives and the infrastructure being established at Stony Point and around Whyalla is not only helping to build Cuttlefest and the whole cuttlefish experience, it is telling the world we are serious about looking after these creatures,” Teresa said.
The full program of events for Cuttlefest 2019 will be released in May. Bookings are, however, now being taken for the EMS Community Snorkel Tours at https://www.emsau.org/cuttlefest-2019/ with a 50% discount being offered for Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula residents. EMS provides thick wetsuits, information and instructions for the experience that is just metres from shore in just a few metres of water.
EXHIBIT: The marine exhibit, as part of last year's CuttleFest, at the Whyalla Public Library.
The Community Snorkels Tours are being held on June 29-30 and July 6-9. EMS is also co-ordinating with schools to run dives for students during July.
For more information go to the EMS site https://www.emsau.org/cuttlefest-2019/ follow Cuttlefest at www.whyalla.com or contact the Whyalla Visitor Information Centre for more information 1800 088 589.
EMS CUTTLEFEST SNORKEL TOURS
REGULAR BOOKINGS
Full price adults - $99
Full price kids - $49.50
Full price family – 2 adults and two kids - $249
BRING YOUR OWN GEAR
Promotional code: OWNGEAR2019
Save 75% (save $74.25). Bring your own wetsuit and snorkel gear and pay only $24.75
Number of tickets – unlimited. Expires May 31,2019
WHYALLA AND EYRE PENINSULA LOCALS
Promotional code: EPLOCAL2019
Save 50% Eyre Peninsula Locals pay only $49.50 (save $49.50).
Number of tickets – 200