Range extension of the long spined sea urchin - Centrostephanus rodgersii

The southward climate driven range extension of the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii from NSW has led to wide spread barrens forming along Tasmania’s East Coast. The species was first recorded on Tasmania’s reefs in the late 1970’s, but by the turn of the century enough concern was raised to for a statewide study to assess the establishment and potential threat to lucrative fisheries in Tasmania to be conducted (FRDC 2001/044 - Johnson et al. 2005). Fifteen years on continued expansion and barren formation is apparent. A replicate study of the 2002 survey has just been completed to assess the current extent of Centrostephanus barrens as well as the rate of expansion. Both surveys included 156 dive transects (from 6 – 18m) and 80kms of towed video footage (from 6 – 40m) of Tasmania’s east coast between Eddystone Point and Recherche Bay. Results of the study are due to be published mid-2018.