New research by the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) reveals that commercially overfishing the invasive long-spined sea urchin is helping to restore and protect Tasmania’s marine ecosystems. These urchins, which migrated from warmer waters and damage kelp beds and fisheries, have been effectively managed through targeted harvesting since 2009. The study found their population would be double without the fishery and introduced a model to guide where overfishing should be focused for best results. Researchers say this approach could be applied globally to manage other marine pests like lionfish.

Mercury article available here: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/imas-research-reveals-invasive-sea-urchin-managed-through-overfishing-commercially/news-story/696ede73f7536a1f2a8ff4a57d414185