Encouraging cuttlefish in Kimmeridge Bay

A Cuttlefish Trail has been installed for another season in Kimmeridge Bay. This is the second year that this seasonal trail has been provided by Dorset Wildlife Trust for cuttlefish to breed. 

Consisting of a number of open ended lobster pots secured on a shallow, sandy area of the seabed, it provides an ideal surface for cuttlefish to lay their eggs in the spring. The eggs can usually be found attached to seaweeds and rope and look like bunches of black grapes.

DWT marine warden, Julie Hatcher, said: “Cuttlefish are overfished in many areas of the UK and we hope that, by encouraging them to spawn in Kimmeridge Bay, we can help to limit the decline in their population by offering a ‘safe haven’ for them to return to every year.“ 

Over the summer the Cuttlefish Trail will be monitored by the K Team, the marine reserve’s group of young marine wardens, who will be checking for eggs and cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish, harmless relatives of squid and octopus, can change colour and skin texture to give them camouflage.  They have a habit of following divers, possibly in the hope that the diver will uncover something edible for them.