ScienceQuiet 25d · day 30
Australia's giant cuttlefish mating season collapses to record low
Only 1,811 cuttlefish arrived to breed on South Australia's Cuttlefish Coast this year, down 97% from 63,000 last year.
What to know
- Only 1,811 giant cuttlefish arrived to breed in 2026—a 97% collapse from 63,000 last year and the lowest turnout on record at Australia's only mass cuttlefish aggregation.
- A toxic algal bloom dominating South Australia's coast for 18 months is the likely culprit, as cephalopods are particularly vulnerable to this species of microalgae.
- With only 440 eggs counted instead of millions typically laid, and adult cuttlefish dying after breeding, next year's population depends entirely on this year's reproductive failure.
- Scientists warn of ecosystem collapse and calls are mounting for the species to be listed as endangered.
“Our marine habitats have been getting wiped out for the past year and a half now... this is an indicator that our marine ecosystems are in real big trouble - the canary in the coal mine, so to speak.”
Manny Katz, Diver and researcher · BBC News
Manny Katz Diver and researcherSouth Australia Department of Environment and Water Government agencyGreat Southern Reef Foundation Conservation organization
The record 4 articles and posts · last 30 days
- summary covers to here · Aug 29, 7:06 PM · 2 pieces above arrived after
What people are saying 1 voices from 1 site · best of 2 · verbatim
- Aug 25
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Every winter, more than 100,000 giant Australian cuttlefish can usually be found mating along the rocky coastline of Point Lowly, northeast of Whyalla, South Australia. They put on shapeshifting, colourful displays in their attempts to attract a mate.