From kina barrens to kelp forests – assessing potential recovery solutions

Kelp forest ecosystems provide essential habitats and food for many ecologically and commercially important fish and invertebrate species. However, habitat shifts from kelp forests to kina barrens is increasingly recognised as an issue affecting coastal reefs in Aotearoa New Zealand. Management actions are urgently needed that address this problem, using existing information.

The purpose of this project was to:

• share knowledge between Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ), Tangata Whenua representatives, and Sustainable Seas researchers about the causes of kina barrens in Northland, New Zealand
• identify and explore management actions that could address the issue.