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.
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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.
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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.
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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.