The thorny issue of the long-spined urchin
From Our Changing World by RNZ
March 2, 2026 · 27 min · Episode 405
About this episode
The episode discusses the impact of the long-spined urchin on the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve and explores management strategies.
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 its 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 its march. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. … Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Topics covered
- marine biology
- environmental management
- native species
- marine reserve
- ecological impact
Keywords
- long-spined urchin
- Centrostephanus
- Poor Knights Islands
- marine reserve
- ecological management
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: DOC, University of Auckland
Products: Centrostephanus
Places: Poor Knights Islands
More episodes of Our Changing World
- Working towards a pest free Purerua-Mataroa peninsula · June 1, 2026 · 28 min
- Hydrogen detectives · May 25, 2026 · 27 min
- How can Aotearoa eliminate cervical cancer? · May 18, 2026 · 25 min
- Looking to a wild future for kākāpō · May 11, 2026 · 28 min
- A time of change for kākāpō · May 4, 2026 · 27 min
- A taste for science · April 27, 2026 · 28 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Our Changing World podcast page.