The second annual National Centro Workshop was held in Melbourne on 30 and 31 October 2024. Convened by the National Taskforce, the workshop aimed to foster collaborative, cross-jurisdictional solutions to the overgrazing of this invasive species.
The workshop spanned over two days and included presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and field demonstrations. There were about 80 attendees and highlights include a showcasing and tasting of centro urchin products by two businesses - The Roe (Victoria) and Salty Roe (Tasmania). Delegates discussed the prioritisation of long-term environmental health across centro’s habitats, short-term and medium-term management activities, opportunities for innovation in the harvesting and processing sector, as well as market expansion and product value-adding. Importantly, critical information was shared and the workshop fostered cross-jurisdictional and inter-sectoral relationships for working towards a shared goal.
Outcomes included agreement for the fishery agencies to continue collaborating wherever possible for best results, and for the Taskforce and other organisations to continue seeking federal funding to enable long-term centro management.
Input from industry stakeholders including divers and processors, indigenous leaders in cultural enterprises, and the recreational and eco-tourism sector representatives was invaluable in guiding the future direction of Government and research approaches.
The Roe, Victoria, showcasing urchin products at the National Centro Workshop in Melbourne, 2024.