Ecological aspects of the common sea urchin,Evechinus chloroticus,in northern New Zealand: A review

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Abstract
Evechinus chloroticus (Val.) is a primary determinant of community structure on shallow subtidal rocky reefs in northern New Zealand. Its abundance shows a strong inverse correlation with that of large brown algae; there is experimental evidence that herbivory by Evechinus is responsible for this pattern. Preference for different brown algae plays a secondary role to availability in determining the diet of sea urchins. Grazing by sea urchins has indirect effects on the local distribution of molluscan herbivores and many fish species. The processes that may act to limit the actions of Evechinus are reviewed. It is concluded that of the identifiable predators in the system, rock lobsters and predatory fishes are most likely to have a great effect on the abundance of Evechinus. The impact of these predators, whilst measurable, is not sufficiently strong to control the effect of Evechinus on community structure. The absence of a large and obviously influential predator comprises one of several contrasts to echinoid systems elsewhere.

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