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The shells of dead sea urchins washed up on the shore near Avarua. The rapid decline in sea urchins can cause an algal bloom in the future, says Rarotonga-based marine biologist Teina Rongo. PHOTO: Annabelle Phillips
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Concerns had been raised from residents in Muri regarding cages holding sea urchins locally known as “avake” (Tripneustes gratilla) in Muri lagoon. Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR)  senior fisheries officer Kirby Morejohn confirmed the cages are theirs, components of one of their research projects - “investigating species that may assist in lagoon health maintenance; these species include (amongst others) sea cucumbers, urchins and giant clams which all contribute to nutrient and algae reduction.”

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