Conservationists are reporting an increase in population of a sea urchin species is becoming unmanageable and threatening marine biodiversity.
According to sea urchin supplier Rachel Theodore, the Centro sea urchin is an underwater pest and numbers have become so high they are wiping out seaweed habitats, causing a biodiversity imbalance and threatening the seafood industry.
Ms Theodore says the implementation of a profitable sea urchin industry and controlled culling in Australia could provide a long term solution and help restore balance to affected marine environments on the south coast of New South Wales.