Joint media release: Giant cuttlefish sanctuary added to National Heritage List

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator for South Australia, Karen Grogan

The largest breeding ground of the ‘chameleons of the sea’ has been added to Australia’s National Heritage List by Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek.

Every year, between May and August, thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish congregate along 4 kilometres of shallow rocky reef, within the Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone on the upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia. 

The Cuttlefish Coast has been listed for this rare aspect of Australia’s natural history, and for its potential to support further research into this intriguing species and its breeding habits. 

The spawning event has been the subject of significant scientific research and has the potential to offer further insights into the species – including its complex and deceptive behaviours, and ability to camouflage and change shape.

The National Heritage List recognises places of outstanding heritage significance to Australia. It includes natural, historic and Indigenous places, under Australia’s national environment law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone becomes the 120th place on the National Heritage List, which also includes iconic locations such as Bondi Beach, Uluru Kata-Tjuta, the Great Barrier Reef and the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“The annual migration of giant Australian cuttlefish to the Cuttlefish Coast is a natural wonder.

“The cuttlefish put on a spectacular show of colour, shapeshifting and cunning games, creating what is almost an underwater light show.

“The crevices, hollows, and small caves of the rocky reef make it ideal for this spectacular, fiercely 
competitive mating event.

“The Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone adds outstanding heritage value to Australia’s precious coastal sanctuary zones and helps to develop an understanding of our unique natural history." 

Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan:

“South Australia is home to a beautiful and diverse range of natural and cultural heritage places, but I am particularly excited about the inclusion of the Cuttlefish Coast on the National Heritage List.

“This area is a rich scientific resource – listing it is an important step in the protection and preservation of the site.

“By listing this place, we are ensuring that the cuttlefish are able to continue this spectacular breeding event, as well as supporting further research into this unique species.

“The coastal environment is the 10th South Australian site to be included on the National Heritage List, joining significant places including the Koonalda Cave and the Ediacara Fossil Site in Nilpena.”