Prioritising cuttlefish protection
28 August 2025
Whyalla City Council has welcomed the Federal and State governments' efforts to ensure Point Lowly's cuttlefish congregation is protected from the ongoing algae bloom, thanks to an innovative air bubble technology.
Although the bloom is yet to reach Upper Spencer Gulf waters, the governments are working together to help ensure the cuttlefish remain unharmed, regardless of how far it progresses.
The air bubble curtain will create an underwater barrier 200 metres along the Cuttlefish Coast that can disrupt the movement of algae and prevent it passing any further. Bubbles are created using land-based generators and compressors to pump air through underwater feeder lines and tubing to create a buffer zone, between two-to-seven metres deep along the rocky reef. The curtain will only be operational if and when the bloom is detected nearby.
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone thanked both levels of government for their proactive approach to protecting the species, which was recently recognised as having 'outstanding heritage significance to Australia'.
"These particular Australian Giant Cuttlefish are incredibly unique and attract thousands of people each year from across the world who want to see them up close in their natural habitat. They're not only critical to our local environment and economy, but also the nation now that they've been added to the National Heritage List, so their protection is of national importance," Mayor Stone said.
"Council staff have worked closely with the State Government to ensure this project could be up and running as quickly as possible, in yet another demonstration of all levels of government working together for the benefit of our community.
"We hope that our region is spared from what has been a devastating outbreak for large parts of the state, but can at least have comfort that every effort is being made to minimise potential harm to the cuttlefish."
See the joint government release here
Anyone with queries can contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regions via their website: Contact us - Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia - PIRSA