ABC North and West SA

Topic: Marine Biology

Friday, June 26, 2026, at 3:39 pm

Many cuttlefish usually come to the waters near Whyalla.

In short:

Some tourism operators in Whyalla have stopped their cuttlefish season.

One operator says the city may lose over $1 million.

What's next?

The city council says other operators are still hopeful.

Normally, Matt Waller takes tourists to see cuttlefish.

But this season, he has not taken any tourists.

The waters near Whyalla usually have many cuttlefish, but this season, only a few have been seen.

Mr. Waller says it's been very bad for his business.

There are pictures of big Australian cuttlefish near Whyalla.

Mr. Waller has looked all over the reef but has only seen one cuttlefish.

The water temperature is right for cuttlefish, but few have been seen.

Manny Katz is a marine biologist and owns a dive shop in Whyalla.

There is no official count of cuttlefish, but Mr. Katz has only seen a few dozen.

Both Mr. Waller and Mr. Katz have stopped their cuttlefish seasons.

Mr. Waller runs a glass bottom boat business in Whyalla.

He will have to let go of extra staff.

Mr. Katz's business will lose $400,000.

He wants to protect the cuttlefish.

There are cuttlefish eggs and mating activity.

Mr. Katz tells people not to come to see the cuttlefish.

He thinks the algal bloom is the reason for the low cuttlefish numbers.

Government response

The South Australian Premier says the government is investigating.

The Premier has been told about the cuttlefish problem.

The government is monitoring the cuttlefish and the algal bloom.

The government spent $700,000 on a bubble curtain to protect the cuttlefish.

But the bubble curtain was not used.

Operators remain hopeful

The city council is still hopeful the cuttlefish will come.

Other operators are still working and planning the annual Cuttlefest.

The water temperature is getting better for the cuttlefish.

The city council says it's still worth celebrating and having activities.

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Friday, June 26, 2026, at 3:39 pm

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