A native species is taking over a jewel-in-the crown marine reserve. But what can be done? Centrostephanus, the long-spined urchin, is munching it’s way through the world-renowned rock walls and kelp beds of the Poor Knights Islands. DOC, University of Auckland scientists and a local hapū are running removal trials to investigate whether this might be a way to manage it’s march.

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Learn more:

• Listen to the Voice of Tangaroa podcast, focusing on marine issues around New Zealand. Kina-nomics asks if we can eat our way out of the kina barren problem.
• For more about rock wall communities, dive into the murky depths of Fiordland, to learn about the sponges, sea squirts and black corals clinging to the undersea cliffs.
• Kelp is an important part of the underwater ecosystem, habitat and food for many organisms. Here how a team in Wellington are trying to restore lost kelp beds there.

Guests:

• Dr Nick Shears, University of Auckland, Rocky Reef Lab Instagram
• Dr Arie Spyksma, University of Auckland
• Dr Celia Balemi, University of Auckland
• Dr Sarah Meadows, Department of Conservation
• Dr Monique Ladds, Department of Conservation
• Sandra Hawken, Te Whānau a Rangiwhakaahu

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details