The delicious solution to an underwater pest problem that's reviving the local economy
"There's no use setting up a fishing industry when there's nothing there," says Uncle Wally Stewart. That simple observation is at the heart of Joonga's new business: harvesting sea urchins. Subscribe now for. . .
"There's no use setting up a fishing industry when there's nothing there," says Uncle Wally Stewart. That simple observation is at the heart of Joonga's new business: harvesting sea urchins. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our websiteThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaUncle Wally and Aunty Yvonne Stewart from Joonga. Picture Tim GreyDriven south from its traditional northern home by warming waters, booming populations of long-spined sea urchins are consuming kelp and other marine vegetation, leaving once-rich underwater forests barren - and fishing stocks depleted. "They breed really well in warm water, the population has exploded, and they're eating everything," said Uncle Wally. "If there's no kelp, there's no fish. Everything else goes with it. "But, with the support of a $1. 48 million aquaculture grant from the NSW state government,Joongais turning an invasive pest into a delicious meal, creating jobs for the local community at the same time. "The idea is that, when we remove sea urchins, the good ones can be relocated into healthy Country and effectively farmed until they're ready to process. The poor-quality ones can be made into fertiliser, and all the waste can go into fertiliser," Uncle Wally said. "We see the sea urchin industry as conservation: doing something for the environment, taking control of our sea Country again, creating employment for our mob and building a sustainable industry. "The new initiative is an extension of Joonga's earlier business: the Shark Management Alert in Real Time smart drumline contract that runs from Batemans Bay to Broulee. "I saw the expression of interest and said, 'I'm going to put in for this', but I didn't think we'd win," Uncle Wally said. "Then they came back and said, 'You won the tender'. We didn't even have a boat. "Now, the business employs Yuin people to man the boat, check the lines and tag the sharks. "They've got families, and they haven't missed a day since we've had the contract," he said. As well as harvesting the urchins with their all-Indigenous dive team, Joonga purchased 51 per cent of Sydney Sea Urchin, which distributes its products through Sydney Fish Markets. "The processing plant can handle about nine tonnes a day. We also have licences and export opportunities around lobster, so we're looking at live holding tanks and other products," Uncle Wally said. "The sea urchin season runs for about six months and starts again around December or January. We're training young fellas now so they're ready. "Aunty Yvonne and Uncle Wally on Joonga's boat. Picture Tim GreyThe ultimate goal of Joonga is to to build an Aboriginal fishing co-operative on the South Coast. "When we put the business plan to Fisheries three years ago, they laughed at us. They thought we were going to come back talking about abalone, lobsters, fish, oysters and everything else," Uncle Wally said. "We said, 'No. We need to clean up. We've got a massive problem. There's no use setting up a fishing industry if there's nothing there'. "More from BusinessAs it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.