Manny Katz reports a 97% drop in giant cuttlefish numbers during the annual mating season on the South Australian coast.
Manny Katz and a team of divers conducted a survey of the South Australian coast, revealing a record-low turnout of 1,811 giant cuttlefish for the annual mating season. This figure represents a 97% decrease from the 63,000 individuals observed the previous year. The sharp decline is largely attributed to a toxic algal bloom that has affected the region's coastline for over 18 months. During the survey, the team counted only 440 eggs, a significant reduction from the millions typically laid. Because adult cuttlefish live only 12 to 18 months, the success of this breeding season is critical for the future of the species. While the algal bloom is a leading explanation for the decline, researchers are currently investigating whether it was the primary cause or one of several environmental factors. Experts remain hopeful that the population can recover, noting that the species has shown the capacity to rebound in previous years when environmental conditions improve.