The South Australian Giant Cuttlefish Needs YOU!
The Australian giant cuttlefish is the largest cuttlefish species in the world reaching a total length of up to 1 m and a weight of 15 kg. Researcher Bronwyn Gillanders at the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute is heading up research on these cuttlefish as part of the Spencer Gulf Ecosystem & Development Initiative (SGEDI).
[caption id="attachment_5773" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Giant Cuttlefish logged on REDMAP, April 2013"]
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During May and June, the Australian Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) will form dense spawning aggregations in around Point Lowly, in the northern Spencer Gulf, South Australia. This is the only know site in the world where the cuttlefish congregate to breed.
Over the last few years however, the numbers of these aggregations are on the decline and scientists aren't sure why. Are the Giant Cuttlefish choosing to lay their eggs somewhere else?
This is where you can help! If you spot a group of 10 or more Giant Australian Cuttlefish in South Australian waters, you can log it on the REDMAP (Range Extension Database and Mapping Project) website.
Recreational and commercial fishers, SCUBA divers, boaters and scientists are being invited to spot, log and map sightings of Giant Australian Cuttlefish. Researchers are interested in sightings of aggregations of more than 10 adult cuttlefish as well as eggs, when spotted in South Australian waters, especially northern Spencer Gulf.
You can find out more and download the information flyer. We hope to see your sightings pop up over the coming months!
[caption id="attachment_5773" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Giant Cuttlefish logged on REDMAP, April 2013"]
[/caption]During May and June, the Australian Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) will form dense spawning aggregations in around Point Lowly, in the northern Spencer Gulf, South Australia. This is the only know site in the world where the cuttlefish congregate to breed.
Over the last few years however, the numbers of these aggregations are on the decline and scientists aren't sure why. Are the Giant Cuttlefish choosing to lay their eggs somewhere else?
This is where you can help! If you spot a group of 10 or more Giant Australian Cuttlefish in South Australian waters, you can log it on the REDMAP (Range Extension Database and Mapping Project) website.
Recreational and commercial fishers, SCUBA divers, boaters and scientists are being invited to spot, log and map sightings of Giant Australian Cuttlefish. Researchers are interested in sightings of aggregations of more than 10 adult cuttlefish as well as eggs, when spotted in South Australian waters, especially northern Spencer Gulf.
You can find out more and download the information flyer. We hope to see your sightings pop up over the coming months!
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