Longspined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii), colloquially known as ‘centro’, are undergoing a southward range-extension from New South Wales through Victoria and into Tasmania. Twenty million individual centro are estimated to be in Tasmanian waters, where their kelp grazing threatens critical kelp reef habitats, and the species and ecosystems that rely on them.
Recognizing the growing threat to key fisheries (e.g., abalone, rock lobster) and east coast marine ecosystems, the Tasmanian government has taken a collaborative and research-driven approach to managing centro. In partnership with research bodies and dive fishing industries, the Department has funded critical research, in-water control measures, and commissioned a management strategy framework informed by similar marine threats elsewhere.
In 2023, Tasmania looked beyond state borders and championed collaboration between sectors and agencies across the entire centro range. The National Centro Taskforce was formed to work collaboratively and deliver targeted centro management activities to protect and rehabilitate the ecological integrity and productivity of the Great Southern Reef, support the cultural heritage and traditional values of Sea Country, and create sustainable and prosperous commercial opportunities for industry and communities.
This presentation will explore the various approaches undertaken by the Tasmanian government and outline future opportunities and challenges.