Development of urchin fisheries in Australia is currently limited by economic viability due to low recovery rates. This fishery has a large opportunity to expand given:
1. There is a large sea urchin resource
2. The high price urchin roe fetches
3. Low cost of fishing (relatively shallow water).

The opportunity to develop this fishery into a highly profitable one is dependent on the development of innovative solutions. This proposal examines the potential for enhancing recovery rates using supplementary feeding for short periods. If this can be done cost effectively it opens the opportunity to dramatically increase the profitability and size of this fishery. Without this technology the urchin fishery will not fully develop. With this technology the fishery has the potential to be worth tens of millions. This project has been initiated by support through both existing permit holders and Aquaculturists.