Story perspectives

Cuttlefish Count Crashes, Season Cancelled, Swim Ban Enforced

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists and divers urged the South Australian government to release cuttlefish estimates after a dive counted only 44 individuals.
Surveys show numbers fell from 247,000 in 2020 to 63,000 in 2025, the lowest count.
Eyrelab divers counted 440 eggs where millions are normally present, prompting a season cancellation in June.
On 1 July the state banned swimming to protect cuttlefish, prompting marine biologist Stefan Andrews to seek an EPBC Act assessment.

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Story summary

Scientists and divers urged the South Australian government to release cuttlefish estimates after a dive counted only 44 individuals.
Surveys show numbers fell from 247,000 in 2020 to 63,000 in 2025, the lowest count.
Eyrelab divers counted 440 eggs where millions are normally present, prompting a season cancellation in June.
On 1 July the state banned swimming to protect cuttlefish, prompting marine biologist Stefan Andrews to seek an EPBC Act assessment.