The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource Management Board, Whyalla City Council and the Federal Government worked together to construct the boardwalk and viewing platform in 2006 - but 2007 will be its first full breeding season.

These three groups provided more than $50,000 in funding to construct the boardwalk.

Coastal management officer Denise Sharp said the Stony Point site was chosen because it was the largest breeding zone in Australia.

The Australian Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) need a hard rocky surface to attach their eggs and the low rocky reef areas at Black Point and Point Lowly are the only locations of their type on either side of the Upper Spencer Gulf.

"The boardwalk was built to provide both local and visitor divers and snorkellers with quick and easy access over the rocks to view the cuttlefish.

"Stony Point, which is located around 30km north of Whyalla, was recognised as a prime viewing location as large numbers gather there from May to August," Denise said.

"Locals and visitors from the Whyalla region have already used the boardwalk as an access point for diving, and viewing the cuttlefish.

"It's really an educational experience and the interpretive signage informs people about these amazing creatures.

"The project was an excellent example of the EPNRM Board, local and federal governments working together to achieve a positive outcome for the local community.

"This project was all about helping the environment - even the boardwalk was made out of recycled plastic."

Whyalla Sports Divers Club recently developed a proposal for the permanent protection of the cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

Local diver Tony Bramley was influential in gaining the interim protection of the cuttlefish about 10 years ago and the divers club and local community are now seeking permanent protection by the State Government.

"The previously large numbers of Sepia apama have been decimated and will continue to fall unless the spawning grounds receive permanent protection," Tony said.