Cuttlefish battle brewing over kingfish farm plans at Fitzgerald Bay, near Whyalla

Clean Seas’ plans for a new kingfish farm near Whyalla could threaten the town’s annual cuttlefish aggregation, groups say – and they’re calling for the council to block it.

Moves to establish a kingfish farm near Whyalla have prompted fears for the future of the town’s cuttlefish population – a major tourist drawcard.

Clean Seas plans to set up the aquaculture farm at Fitzgerald Bay to meet increased global demand for yellowtail kingfish.

Their pens would be close to Point Lowly, where 247,000 cuttlefish aggregated last year for their annual spawning.

Under the plans, the company would be allowed to farm up to 4245 tonnes of yellowtail kingfish.

It follows smaller farms in Fitzgerald Bay that operated until 2010.

Concerns have been raised over the impacts of a Clean Seas aquaculture farm on Whyalla’s annual cuttlefish aggregation – and the thousands of tourists it attracts each year. Picture:Tyson Mayr

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has granted Clean Seas aquaculture leases to make way for the project, and Whyalla Council is negotiating with the company over its bid to use Point Lowly marina. But some locals are hoping the council will block the plans by refusing access and advocating for its leases to be revoked. Conservation SA chief executive Craig Wilkins is concerned the operation could result in cuttlefish numbers reducing because of changes to nutrient levels in the water.

“Cuttlefish are very susceptible to subtle changes to their environment,” he said.

Conservation SA chief executive Craig Wilkins. Picture Mark Brake

There were also worries cuttlefish could be hunted by escaped kingfish, Mr Wilkins said. He said a decline in the spawning population after 2001 and its recovery in 2012 was consistent with the previous presence of kingfish aquaculture.

In a submission to the local council, Whyalla Residents & Ratepayers Association said the annual cuttlefish season attracted thousands of tourists – but that could be jeopardised by the aquaculture plans.

A Clean Seas kingfish farm. Picture: Supplied

Whyalla Council has previously knocked back Clean Seas’ bid to operate out of Point Lowly. Clean Seas chief executive Robert Gratton said the business would employ up to 70 people in the region.

“That location has been deemed appropriate by the EPA and PIRSA and will be subject to some of the most intense ongoing monitoring you can imagine,” Mr Gratton said.

“There’s no evidence of a link between aquaculture and cuttlefish numbers and no evidence that kingfish, wild or escaped aquaculture fish, are predating upon cuttlefish.”

Whyalla chief executive Justin Commons said Clean Seas wanted to operate out of the Point Lowly marina initially, but any agreement would be contingent upon a suitable development plan for a new facility northeast of the structure.

“Extensive” community consultation would be part of its negotiations with Clean Seas.

A PIRSA spokeswoman said a risk assessment showed farming activity would be ecologically sustainable.

“PIRSA also conducted in 2018 targeted stakeholder and public consultation on the Fitzgerald Bay applications before granting these licences,” she said.

“SARDI research also indicates escaped kingfish have little impact on cuttlefish with no cuttlefish found in the stomachs of escaped fish.

“While wild kingfish are found naturally in Spencer Gulf, analysis of stomach contents of wild kingfish also found no evidence of giant cuttlefish.”

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