Protecting South Australia's giant cuttlefish sanctuary
A $400,000 grant from the Australian Government will help manage and protect South Australia’s Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone, which was recently included on Australia’s National Heritage List.
The funding will help to develop a conservation management and tourism plan for the site, which sees thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish congregate along four kilometres of shallow rocky reef each year.
Led by the South Australian Government in partnership with Whyalla City Council, this project will ensure the site is prepared for increased visitation and minimise impacts on the surrounding region.
This funding is part of the $4 million Round 6 of the Australian Heritage Grants program to protect, restore and manage Australia’s amazing National Heritage listed places.
Department for Environment and Water Eyre Peninsula Marine Coordinator Shelley Paull said the waters around the sanctuary zone had rocky seabeds that provided a rare, yet perfect environment for female cuttlefish to lay and delicately attach their eggs.
“The Upper Spencer Gulf cuttlefish population is incredibly unique as there is little interbreeding between these cuttlefish and other populations, and they are only found in the one small, specific area," she said.
In total, the Australian Government has invested more than $30 million through the Australian Heritage Grants program.
These grants will help to ensure the ongoing protection and preservation of our precious heritage-listed places.
There are currently 121 places of outstanding natural, Indigenous or historic value on the National Heritage List, across all state and territories in Australia.
Further information about the Australian Heritage Grants program can be found here: www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants
