POINT LOWLY

In reply to the Hon. M. PARNELL (6 July 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has been advised:

1. Giant Cuttlefish populations are characterised by high natural variations from year to year. Natural variability in abundance and recruitment is influenced by the impacts of environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, water circulation and weather patterns. This variation in population numbers is considered normal.

A number of explanations have been put forward regarding the observed decline in Cuttlefish numbers, but all are speculative until we have quality data from which to draw informed conclusions.

2. Given the uncertainty surrounding the potential decline in numbers, the Government has taken a precautionary approach to the protection of Giant Cuttlefish and is:

converting the existing temporary fishing closure in False Bay to a permanent and ongoing closure;

closing an additional small area immediately adjacent to the Point Lowly headland that is known as a breeding area, but is not currently included in the closed area; and

implementing a more comprehensive monitoring program for Giant Cuttlefish.

Scientists from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) were deployed in August 2011 to commence a further scoping study ahead of establishing a research program for the next breeding season.

The Government has since received Commonwealth assistance to monitor the breeding and habitat of Giant Cuttlefish in Upper Spencer Gulf. SARDI has obtained a grant of $74,162 from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, in addition to a $31,111 contribution from SARDI over the next two years, to support a monitoring and evaluation program for Giant Cuttlefish, with particular reference to population biomass, water quality and habitat condition.

A whole-of government approach is being undertaken to implement this program.

3. The former Minister Assisting the Premier with the Olympic Dam Expansion Project has been advised that:

The BHP Billiton Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement, page 375, Fig 17.1 and page 472, Fig 17.24 outlines the locations of the Giant Cuttlefish aggregation/habitat zones, where breeding occurs

The outfall is 800m long with an additional 200m diffuser section

The Black Point eastern edge of high density aggregation is 3km from the end of the outfall pipe

The Backy Point aggregation area is 10km from the end of the outfall

There also exists low and medium Giant Cuttlefish aggregation habitat areas adjacent to the outfall position at Point Lowly

4. The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has been advised that the aggregation area is located within the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park. One sanctuary zone proposed by the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park Local Advisory Group is located inside the fishing exclusion zone managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA, where fishing for the Giant Cuttlefish is already prohibited. The Government is currently considering the advice from the Marine Park Local Advisory Group, along with advice from other stakeholders, in developing the park's draft management plan with zoning, which will be released for public comment.