Ban the spearing of giant cuttlefish in coastal NSW
Ban the spearing of giant cuttlefish in coastal NSW
The issue
Giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) are one of the most beautiful and charismatic of the cephalopods. They are native to Australia and are the largest cuttlefish species in the world, growing up to 1m. They are rated as ‘Near Threatened’ by global authority on conservation status, IUCN, meaning they are at risk of becoming endangered.
This year, there have been far fewer cuttlefish and no mating witnessed. Simultaneously there have been multiple reports of spearfishing cuttlefish adjacent to the marine reserve and through the Northern beaches.
We call for a moratorium on the spearfishing of giant cuttlefish in the area from Palm Beach to Wollongong, though preferably this could be applied along the whole NSW coast. The ban would apply within 1km of the coastline.
The cuttlefish is an extraordinarily easy target for spearing as it is a large, docile creature which usually allows humans to be very close. A local population can be wiped out very easily, especially during breeding season when there are free swimming individuals.
Each year in winter, they emerge from their dens to mate. The most well known cuttlefish aggregation is in Whyalla, SA. But here in NSW, we have a smaller aggregation of cuttlefish in the marine reserve area of Cabbage Tree Bay. Usually we witness mating displays and lots of cuttlefish movement.This brings many people into the bay to observe and is highly anticipated. There are also other smaller cuttlefish aggregations along the rest of the NSW coast.
Further research needs to be undertaken into the risk to cuttlefish populations from spearfishers with increasingly sophisticated weapons. Whilst this is undertaken, giant cuttlefish need to be protected.
Beyond environmental concerns, these animals are important culturally, for tourism and as highly intelligent individuals. Witnessing the spearing of a large, beautiful animal also causes trauma to divers and snorkellers.
Sign and share this petition to protect an iconic Australian species - the Giant Cuttlefish. We call on the NSW Minister for the environment, the local member for Manly and relevant community groups to support protection for this animal.
18,326
The issue
Giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) are one of the most beautiful and charismatic of the cephalopods. They are native to Australia and are the largest cuttlefish species in the world, growing up to 1m. They are rated as ‘Near Threatened’ by global authority on conservation status, IUCN, meaning they are at risk of becoming endangered.
This year, there have been far fewer cuttlefish and no mating witnessed. Simultaneously there have been multiple reports of spearfishing cuttlefish adjacent to the marine reserve and through the Northern beaches.
We call for a moratorium on the spearfishing of giant cuttlefish in the area from Palm Beach to Wollongong, though preferably this could be applied along the whole NSW coast. The ban would apply within 1km of the coastline.
The cuttlefish is an extraordinarily easy target for spearing as it is a large, docile creature which usually allows humans to be very close. A local population can be wiped out very easily, especially during breeding season when there are free swimming individuals.
Each year in winter, they emerge from their dens to mate. The most well known cuttlefish aggregation is in Whyalla, SA. But here in NSW, we have a smaller aggregation of cuttlefish in the marine reserve area of Cabbage Tree Bay. Usually we witness mating displays and lots of cuttlefish movement.This brings many people into the bay to observe and is highly anticipated. There are also other smaller cuttlefish aggregations along the rest of the NSW coast.
Further research needs to be undertaken into the risk to cuttlefish populations from spearfishers with increasingly sophisticated weapons. Whilst this is undertaken, giant cuttlefish need to be protected.
Beyond environmental concerns, these animals are important culturally, for tourism and as highly intelligent individuals. Witnessing the spearing of a large, beautiful animal also causes trauma to divers and snorkellers.
Sign and share this petition to protect an iconic Australian species - the Giant Cuttlefish. We call on the NSW Minister for the environment, the local member for Manly and relevant community groups to support protection for this animal.
18,326
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Petition created on 10 July 2023