Every winter, Whyalla in South Australia draws thousands of visitors to witness the giant Australian cuttlefish breeding near the shore. However, this natural wonder is under threat due to a toxic algal bloom spreading through the region’s waters. In response, the South Australian government held an emergency meeting with experts to explore the possibility of relocating cuttlefish eggs to protect them, though scientists are cautious about the risks of moving eggs from a currently healthy population.

Experts, including Dr Zoe Doubleday are unsure how much harm the algal bloom could cause or whether it will reach the cuttlefish breeding grounds, creating a race against time. While some researchers and tourism operators support relocating the eggs as a conservation strategy, others stress the need for more data and warn of potential consequences, such as predation or disruption to the species’ natural behaviors. The situation remains uncertain as scientists continue to assess the bloom’s impact and explore the best path forward to protect this iconic species.

Read the full ABC article by Tim McGlone and Arj Ganesan here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-30/giant-australian-cuttlefish-threat-as-algal-bloom-looms/105593254