The status of sea urchins (except for Heliocidaris erythrogramma) in Port Phillip Bay in 2022-2023 was Poor and the trend is Declining. This status is informed by the latest available time-series data indicating mean density. The confidence score for this data is Low.
The status was calculated using a Biological Quality Ratio from data provided by Reef Life Survey and the Victorian Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program. For more detail on how this status was calculated view the methodology section.
Urchins play a unique role in being both beneficial and harmful to reefs. Urchin barrens can be formed where ecosystem function and species diversity are reduced due to grazing pressure by urchins.
Photo credit: Amblypneustes ovum, Ashley Miskelly / Museum Victoria, Rights/Licence: CC BY (Attribution 4.0)
In Port Phillip Bay, the Shortspined urchin, Heliocidaris erythrogramma, can cause barrens, the status of this species is reported separately in the Overabundant urchins section.
Data contributors and acknowledgements:
Page last updated: 23/10/24