Concerns grow that 'incredible' underwater phenomenon off Aussie coast is under threat
Between May and August, cuttlefish migrate to the Whyalla coastline to mate and reproduce, with the environment creating ideal conditions for the females to lay and attach their eggs. However, as the deadly algal bloom continues to cover more than 500 kilometres across the state's waters, authorities are concerned that if it reaches the Whyalla coast, it could have a devastating impact on the species as the entire population congregates in one spot.
"Cuttlefish may be vulnerable to the algal bloom should it be detected at Cuttlefish Coast," a SA Department for Environment and Water (DEW) spokesperson told Yahoo News. However as it stands, the algal bloom hasn't yet reached the cuttlefish hotspot.
"There is no evidence to suggest the algal bloom is affecting cuttlefish or associated marine habitats at this stage," the spokesperson said.
DEW confirmed to Yahoo News it will continue to monitor the algal bloom via satellite imagery and water testing, and is considering a range of options to protect the cuttlefish eggs if the algal bloom were to spread into the area. The department has not ruled out moving the eggs to a different location.
Diver awestruck by cuttlefish just two metres below water
Australian diver Kyra Miller recently witnessed the Great Cuttlefish Migration firsthand and admitted she was awestruck by the seemingly countless cuttlefish exploring the reef only two metres below the surface of the water.
"The male cuttlefish will perform a spectacular show as they change colour, texture and shape to attract a mate," she said online, describing it as an "incredible phenomenon".
Courtship between cuttlefish is a colourful affair, with males using specialised cells that enable them to change colour, appear to pulsate, and even mimic female colouration to deceive other competing males.
This ability not only enables the cuttlefish to signal their interest in mating, but it is also used to communicate. French researchers have even observed the Australian species waving at each other as a method of communication.
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Algal bloom has killed more than 14,000 marine creatures so far
According to the Biodiversity Council Australia, the algal bloom sweeping South Australia's coast has killed upward of 14,000 animals and impacted over 450 species, including fish, sharks, dolphins and rays, since March.
DEW are keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation; however, it confirmed to Yahoo News in July that "nothing can be done" to stop it.
"The algal bloom is a dynamic situation. Its movement depends on weather and water conditions, and therefore makes the effect on people and wildlife unpredictable," a spokesperson said at the time. "Nothing can be done to dilute or dissipate the bloom."
The wind direction and its subsequent effect on the current could be all that stands between the cuttlefish and the algal bloom spread, Dr Zoe Doubleday at the University of South Australia told ABC Radio this month.
"It's a nerve-wracking time and it's not something I've ever experienced before [in my] job as a marine ecologist to do research about whether we're going to see a potential wipeout of a piece of biodiversity," Dr Doubleday said.
There is no indication of when the algal bloom will end, and there may be a small window of time that authorities have to intervene if it looks like the cuttlefish could be in danger.
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