May 02, 2024
Dutch solution could fix kina barrens
A global kina ranching global business sees New Zealand’s growing sea urchin problem as an opportunity.
Netherlands-based Urchinomics operates in Japan, California, Canada and Norway … which all have similar kina barren problems caused by over-fishing and climate change.
It has appointed Maru Samuels of Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Rarawa, and Ngāi Takoto as in-country director for Aotearoa.
He says his first priority is to consult with coastal ahi kaa and explain the concept of mass removal and fattening up of skinny kina, which could help seaweed forests regenerate.
“Urchinomics is one solution, but it’s the solution that I’ve, having a look around, is a solution that I believe can work and work for our people as well. But it’s going to require sitting down and sharing that mātauranga with each other and coming to a solution with how we deal with these kina barrens,” Mr Samuels says.
He’s looking forward to next week’s public hui in Awanui next week called by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones to discuss kina barrens with the far north community.