Our Passion
Harvesting and processing Australia’s highest quality sea urchins from the beautiful south coast of NSW.
Meet our Team
Say hello to our Pambula team, experts in processing sea urchin.
Co-Founder and Diver, Ryan Morris
Meet Ryan, our co-founder and lead diver.
Ryan is a second-generation diver who frequents the NSW south coast, handpicking sea urchin off the ocean floor. With years of diving experience and an innate love for the ocean, Ryan is quick to spot premium quality sea urchin and ensures meticulous handling and a speedy delivery. Ryan is hands on, not only hand harvesting sea urchin, but also plays a key role in overseeing and mentoring the processing and delivery teams.
Our Story
Founded in 2005, we are an Australian owned business that harvests and processes sea urchin from the South Pacific coastal waters of Australia, all year round. Our sea urchin roe is highly sought after by leading restaurants and chefs nationwide and can be found on the menu of many hatted restaurants across Australia.
Sea urchins are hand harvested by our team of experienced divers from the east coast of Australia, from Port Phillip Bay to Port Stevens. Once harvested, we transport the sea urchins to our state-of-the-art processing facility in Pambula. Here, our expert team meticulously processes and packages the sea urchin roe for distribution.
Sustainability
Regenerating Shallow Reef Habitats
Established to curb surging sea urchin population and mitigate environmental harm, South Coast Sea Urchins now leads Australia's sea urchin processing and aids in reef habitat rejuvenation.
Sea urchins' destructive feeding habits create barren underwater landscapes called urchin barrens, diminishing reef biodiversity. Research confirms that reducing urchin numbers aids reef recovery and enhances roe quality.
Observations show restored reef ecosystems, teeming with diverse marine life such as wrasses, parrot fish, and groupers, alongside increased populations of crustaceans and mollusks.
South Coast Sea Urchins remains dedicated to reef rehabilitation and sustainable fishery practices for future generations.
Repurposing Sea Urchin Waste
Sea urchin waste from our processing facility is repurposed into sea mineral compost, an all-natural living plant food. Facilitated by local business Ocean2Earth our discarded sea urchin waste becomes one of nature’s most effective and eco-friendly soil conditioners containing a diverse population of beneficial microbes.
Sea urchin is naturally high in calcium carbonate and other important bioavailable trace elements, stimulating enzyme activity and increases Cationic Exchange Capacity (CEC) in soil. The slow-release nutrients, minerals and trace elements from the repurposed marine compost has been proven to be extremely effective for improved plant health and encourages root growth.
The Enchanting Sapphire Coast
Our home on the NSW Sapphire Coast is a beautiful haven boasting uncrowded beaches, untouched national parks and undiscovered coastal wilderness.
The coastline was named for its deep blue, sun-sparkled ultramarine waters and is one of Australia’s hidden treasures. Visitors can enjoy secluded beaches, tranquil coastal lakes and the charming local towns which are both welcoming and full of fresh local produce, arts and crafts.
Renowned for its pristine natural landscape, Pambula and neighbouring towns fish, farm and process some of the world’s freshest and best tasting seafood.
Situated halfway between Melbourne and Sydney and just 3 hours away from Canberra, the Sapphire coast is easily accessible and well worth a visit.
To learn more about the Sapphire Coast click here.
