Whyalla tourism operators lose thousands as they brace for toxic algae

It’s a jewel in the crown of SA’s tourism industry, but there are fears a beloved attraction could be wiped out if the algae bloom makes it to Whyalla.

Operators of one of the state’s most unique tourism experiences fear the giant cuttlefish population could be wiped out by the toxic algae bloom sweeping across the state.

They have slammed the state and federal government’s delayed response, extending an invite to pollies on North Terrace to get a deep dive into the “graveyard” that lies beneath.

Whyalla tour operator Why Dive has seen a 30 per cent dip in its bookings this year, with customers cancelling or putting off tours despite the algae bloom not hitting the Upper Spencer Gulf yet.

Cuttlefish tour operators say they’ve lost thousands of customers despite the toxic algae not reaching Whyalla - Picture Carl Charter

“It’s frightening, it’s unsettling, it’s the worst thing that could possibly happen - this is the apocalypse,” Why Dive owner Manny Katz said.

“We’ve had a massive drop off in tourism from interstate and internationally, people who want to come and see the cuttlefish, but also the leafy sea dragons and all the other marine life the state has to offer.

“When the state is being impacted by the algae bloom, they’re going to go on a holiday somewhere else when they hear that everything is dead in SA, which is not true.

“We’ve been lucky as it hasn’t reached us yet, but there’s a chance there could be no cuttlefish season next year.”

The longtime diver lost four weeks of business, after higher than expected ocean temperatures pushed back the start of cuttlefish season.

Around 1,000 customers have cancelled tours since then, with the effects felt not only across Whyalla, but the wider Spencer Gulf.

Mr Katz fears the algae bloom could wipe out the cuttlefish population - Picture Carl Charter

Thousands of tourists typically flock to Whyalla from May to August to dive and snorkel with the cuttlefish, which are some of the largest in the world - weighing up to five kilograms and measuring up to 60cm in length.

The stunning creatures - often labelled the “chameleons of the sea” - are able to change their colour, shape and texture as they move along the sea bed.

The State Government revealed earlier this week small businesses impacted by the bloom could apply for $10,000 in government support, as a part of a joint state and federal $28 million funding package.

But Mr Katz said the relief was too little, too late.

“The politicians only cared when the algae bloom started to hit metro Adelaide and everything started washing up in front of their homes,” he said.

“For every fish washing up on beaches, there’s probably 10,000 more dead fish underwater.

“I will personally take any state MP on a dive to actually see what is happening.”

His calls for help come as the state government finalises population surveys on cuttlefish in the region.

Early reports have found there is no evidence of the cuttlefish being impacted by the algae bloom, according to the state government, with large numbers still mating and laying eggs.

But scientists are still concerned, meeting today to discuss action plans if the bloom makes it to the cuttlefish’s breeding ground at Point Lowley.

Satellite imagery shows there are elevated concentrations of chlorophyll-a in waters off of Whyalla’s coast, which can indicate the presence of algae.

The state and federal government have committed $28m funding towards the algal bloom. Picture: Tim Joy

Environment Minister Susan Close said the government was closely tracking cuttlefish numbers.

“The cuttlefish count gives us a good understanding of the population and is vital at times like this when we have an algal bloom,” she said.

“While early indications have not shown impacts of the algal bloom on the cuttlefish population, the government will continue to monitor satellite imagery and survey the cuttlefish coast.”

Eleven nearby oyster farms in Franklin Harbour, near Cowell, were closed after low levels of brevetoxins were detected in the water.

Originally published as Whyalla tourism operators lose thousands as they brace for toxic algae