DIVE LOG MAGAZINE TO BE PRINTED ONCE MORE

It’s time to renew your acquaintance with your local dive shop owners again because Dive Log magazine will resume being published in a "print version" again in October.

CUTTLEFISH UPDATE

SARDI scientists surveyed the Giant Australian Cuttlefish aggregation in northern Spencer Gulf last year. The 2011 survey concluded that abundance was low, mean size of males and females was low and, at these levels, recruitment success may be compromised. The State Government has received Commonwealth assistance to monitor the breeding and habitat of Giant Cuttlefish in Upper Spencer Gulf over the next two years through a SARDI project.

WHYALLA CUTTLEFISH CLOSURE AREA EXTENDED

The Whyalla cuttlefish closure area in Spencer Gulf has been extended for the 2012 breeding season. The closure extension area starts at the Point Lowly Lighthouse and follows the eastern boundary of the existing closure area. Extending 100 metres offshore from the high water mark, the closure follows the coastline to a point 100 metres south of the boat ramp breakwater near Point Lowly. The temporary closure bans recreational and commercial fishing for all cephalopods (including cuttlefish, squid and octopus) in the area, until 30th September 2012.

THE USE OF HEAVY DRIFT ANCHORS

Boat anchors are capable of damaging the marine environment and care needs to be taken when anchoring your boat, so I am staggered to read about the use of heavy drift anchors in the June/July issue of “Wild Coast Fishing South Australia” – see article “Drifting for the King” on pages 33 to 36. The article describes the use of a heavy iron weight that would drag along the seabed, stirring up the sediment. This can be very destructive, particularly in areas with a 'broken bottom, shelter/haven for many fish species.

REDMAP UPDATE

Redmap were successful in being awarded an Inspiring Australia grant this year. The setting up of the new national website for Redmap should be close to completion by now. They are hoping to launch the website and project in October or November. They also hope to set up a Redmap smartphone app in the next 6 months. They have started gathering species information from each state (i.e. species that they would like to list/record on Redmap).

MEET THE LOCALS (LOCAL OCEAN, COAST AND LIFE):

An exhibition, to be opened by Dr Scoresby Shepherd on Friday 3rd August at 6.30 pm, features paintings, photos & 3D works by Dinesh Lawrence Wilkes and Helen Crawford. The exhibition will run from 2nd August – 26th August, Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, Sunday: 11am – 3pm. It is being held at The Art Centre, 22 Gawler St, Port Noarlunga. Ph. 8326 5577 for further details. To attend the launch, RSVP Dinesh: mob. 0400 900 591 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0400 900 591      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email to dineshwilkes@gmail.com , Helen: ph. 8260 7805 or melon@internode.on.net .

2012 SA CARAVAN, CAMPING & OFF-ROAD SALE

The 2012 SA Caravan, Camping & Off-Road Sale is being held at the Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th August, 10am - 5pm daily. Admission Prices: Adult $12, Concession $11 (not including seniors card), Children under 15 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Adelaide’s weather for August

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2012, Adelaide’s weather for August is “cool to cold and significant showers are still common (like in July)”. The 6 warmest days are above 18C and the 6 coldest nights are below 6C. Wind speeds on ½ of the days exceed 14km/h at 9am & 17km/h at 3pm. Main directions are N to NE at 9am & SW at 3pm.