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Urchin predation and marine park residency in the Eastern Rock Lobster by Jeremy Day

It has been speculated that Sagmariasus verreauxi (Eastern Rock Lobster) is an important predator of the barrens-forming urchin species Centrostephanus rodgersii (Long-Spined Urchin) and Heliocidaris erythrogramma (Short-Spined Urchin). Both urchin species can cause extreme habitat modification when occurring at high densities and this is considered a problem within NSW marine parks. Elsewhere, lobster predation on urchin by similar species Jasus edwardsii (Southern Rock Lobster) is considered key in controlling urchin populations, but whether S. verreauxi has a similar trophic impact is unknown. In this study, I for the first time investigate the likely value of S. verreauxi as an urchin control agent. I use a holistic approach that investigates lobster diet and feeding behaviour by using dissections and feeding trials and investigate urchin predation rates inside and outside of No-Take Sanctuary Zones (SZ’s) using diver surveys and urchin tethering experiments. I also use external

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