Tasmania’s East Coast rocky reef habitat has been under significant threat from an unwanted marine visitor: the long-spined sea urchin. Thankfully, we can turn this serious ecological challenge into an incredible opportunity.
While this visitor may be unwelcome in our waters, it’s a welcome sight in restaurants around the world. Through funded and strategically planned commercial dive fishery, we can restore our rocky reefs and boost our seafood industry.
Urchin roe is prized as a delicacy around the world. Through commercial dive fishery, we can turn a serious environmental issue into yet another world-class Tasmanian seafood product.
Urchin waste can also be converted into fertiliser to support agriculture across the State. This creates a circular economy with flow-on economic benefits for Tasmania, especially in our regional communities.
The long-spined urchin commercial dive fishery is a real win for Tasmania’s Great Southern Reef. This solution will go a long way towards supporting our native marine life, including commercially important species such as abalone and rock lobster.