The Victorian Sea Urchin Divers Association (VSUDA) was pleased to participate in a panel discussion at the recent White Rock Forum, hosted by Sailors Grave Brewing at Marlo in partnership with the Great Southern Reef Foundation.
The event featured a screening of White Rock, a powerful
new film that documents the growing environmental crisis caused by the unchecked spread of the long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii).
This invasive native species has proliferated along Australia’s south east coast, devastating vital marine habitats by stripping rocky reefs of seaweed and other marine life—leaving behind ecologically barren seascapes.
The panel discussion brought together researchers, divers entrepreneurs and community members to explore innovative strategies for managing the Centro problem, with a strong focus on commercial opportunities that align environmental repair with economic renewal.
“It’s deeply concerning to witness the extent of damage these urchins are causing to our reefs,” John Minehan, spokesperson for the Victorian Sea Urchin Divers Association (VSUDA), said.
“But there’s also a real opportunity to turn this crisis into a catalyst for innovation. From advanced food processing and biohub development for pigment and chitin extraction, to robotics and AI for monitoring and managing marine ecosystems — there’s enormous potential to create both environmental and economic value through place-based solutions.”
The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, research, community, and all levels of government to unlock shared value from this challenge. Aligning efforts with the National Centro Strategy and the 2023 Senate Inquiry into Invasive Marine Species was seen as vital to building effective, long-
term solutions.
The forum showcased the momentum already building across East Gippsland and the broader Great Southern Reef, where a growing network of researchers, innovators, and local communities are working to drive integrated, regenerative
responses.
