Australia usually hosts the world's biggest cuttlefish mating event - not this year

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Australia’s famed giant cuttlefish mating season on South Australia’s coast has fallen to a record low this winter, raising concern about a sharp population decline. Official figures released this month estimated just 1,811 cuttlefish arrived to breed, down from 63,000 last year. The species gathers each year at the Cuttlefish Coast, where divers usually see large numbers of the distinctive marine animals during the breeding period.

Researchers and state officials have pointed to a toxic algal bloom affecting South Australian waters for more than 18 months as a likely factor, although they have not said it fully explains the drop. Divers surveying the area also counted only about 440 eggs along eight kilometres of coastline, far below the millions typically seen. Because adult cuttlefish die soon after breeding, scientists say this season’s results are especially important for the next generation.

The low turnout has prompted renewed calls to consider listing the giant Australian cuttlefish as threatened or endangered. South Australian officials said cuttlefish numbers can fluctuate with environmental conditions and noted the species has recovered before after earlier lows. Researchers involved in the surveys said the outlook remains uncertain, but they are watching the coming year closely to see whether the population can rebound if conditions improve.