An exciting opportunity for Tasmanian Chefs to lead change in sustainable seafood
We're helping to put urchin on the menu in Tassie! Tasmanian chefs can now help protect the local marine environment, support local industry and introduce Tasmanian diners to an international delicacy through this local, limited time only reimbursement program.
The program provides financial support to restaurants, cafés and caterers to encourage chefs to trial, understand and utilise premium Tasmanian Longspined Sea Urchin on their menus. It aims to establish new relationships between urchin divers, processors, and wholesalers with chefs in Tasmania, as well as raise awareness of Longspined Sea Urchin as a high value seafood for Tasmanians to enjoy locally.
Longspined Sea Urchin (Centro) is a range-extending species that is overgrazing important reef habitat on Tassies east coast. Learn more about the threat, and what's being done through the commercial seafood industry.
Hurry, it's peak season now and Centro is in top notch condition. Program runs 21 May 2026 until 30 June 2026.
Urchin is highly prized around the world, and most of Tasmania's urchin is exported. Photo: Moon Cheese Studio
Who can apply?
You can apply if your Tasmanian-based business:
- Is a restaurant, café or caterer;
- Is registered with a valid ABN;
- Will use the sea urchin product for food service (e.g. menu items, specials, tastings, or trials).
Only restaurants, cafés and caterers are eligible.
What funding is available?
Businesses can receive up to $500 (GST inclusive) for expenses up until June 30, 2026. This is a per-business capped total, and can be made up of multiple purchases. Reimbursements are paid for eligible costs already incurred. Applications are assessed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, subject to available funding.
Where to source Longspined Sea Urchin
You can purchase Tasmanian Centro from any licenced supplier, such as (but not limited to):
You can also buy directly from commercial divers licenced to fish urchins.
We keep a list of suppliers and restaurants who serve urchin on You Can Help | Centro webpage. Are you also stocking or serving Centro? Let us know so we can add you to the list! Email centro.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
What can and can't be reimbursed?
Eligible expenses include the direct purchase of Tasmanian Longspined Sea Urchin (Centro) product (whole, roe, or processed) in Tasmania from a licenced supplier including fish processors, merchants, retailers, wholesalers, and licenced commercial divers, and evidenced with valid paid tax invoice(s) or receipt(s) for purchase dates between 21 May 2026 and 30 June 2026.
Note: given Centro are currenly in season, and the native Shortspined Sea Urchin is generally not in season until the second half of the year, you can be confident that any fresh urchin roe will be Centro if purchased during the program. If in doubt, ask your supplier.
You
cannot claim reimbursement for:
- Staff wages or labour costs;
- Equipment or capital purchases;
- General business overheads;
- Costs incurred before the program start date of 21 May 2026;
- Expenses without valid, paid invoices or receipts.
How do I apply?
- Complete the application form: Application Form for the Tasmanian Urchin Incentive (PDF 219Kb)
- Attach copies of paid invoices or receipts that clearly show the urchin product.
- Submit your application before the program closing date of 30 June 2026 to AIRF@nre.tas.gov.au
Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. You must keep copies of receipts and supporting documents for five (5) years, in case of audit or verification.
How and when will I be paid?
You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email or phone call. Approved reimbursements will be paid via electronic funds transfer (EFT). Join the movement!
We'd love you to share your dishes on social media with the tag, #EatAnUrchin!
Find out more about Longspined Sea Urchin in Tasmania, and what's being done to help, at
centro.tas.gov.au
Contact
For further information or assistance with your application, contact the Program Administrator at AIRF@nre.tas.gov.au or 0457 124 668.