Increasing the viability of urchin fisheries is particularly important for the range-extending Centrostephanus rodgersii which is threatening the productivity and profitability of the lucrative abalone and rock lobster fishing grounds as far south as the Tasman Peninsula (south-eastern Tasmania). Waste products from urchin fisheries account for over 85% of the harvested biomass, with up to 180 tonnes of sea urchin waste produced annually. Developing saleable by-products from waste will increase the viability and profitability of urchin fisheries by 1) creating new business opportunities 2) reducing waste disposal and transport costs and 3) enabling increased harvest levels temporally (longer seasons), spatially (further from port) and at an increased density.

Cost effective control of Centrostephanus is a key priority of the Tasmanian Government as well as the Tasmanian Abalone and Rock Lobster Council. Similarly, the State Government of Victoria and the Eastern Zone Abalone Industry Association have highlighted the need to control the destructive overgrazing of urchins. A profitable Centrostephanus fishery is seen as the best way to achieve this. However, profitability in the fishery is currently low given the species lower average roe quality. Methods to reduce costs and increase profitability are vital for a prosperous fishery and control of destructive urchin grazing.

Processors, encouraged by initial trials and results, believe there is a high potential to develop a commercial product from the waste. However, cost and lack of expertise have impeded the timely development of waste-derived products within industry.