We at Earth Ocean Network are supporting the following event:

URCHIN CRISIS THREATENS TASMANIA’S EAST COAST

PUBLIC MEETING MAY 4, BICHENO COMMUNITY HALL,  4 – 5.30pm. 

Speakers:

Jon Bryan - Tasmanian Conservation Trust

Professor Craig Johnson – IMAS, & Associate Professor Neville Barratt - IMAS

The reefs along the east coast of Tasmania are under threat by the spread of urchin barrens.  Long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) arrived in Tasmania from NSW as a result of climate change, with the East Australian Current moving further south, bringing marine species from the warmer northern waters to Tasmania.  Once established, these sea urchins denude coastal reefs, forming persistent barrens. Abalone and rock lobsters depend on these reefs for their survival, as do over 150 species of marine life.  Recent Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) surveys have predicted that 32% of east coast kelp reefs will be lost to urchin barrens by 2021.  In some areas of the north east coast, 50% of reefs have already been lost to urchin barrens. 

This spread of urchin barrens along the East Coast threatens commercial and recreational fisheries for abalone and rock lobster.

For more information see: www.tasmanianoceanaction.com/urchin-barrens

Facebook Event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/389857461854703/