Our kelp forests are in trouble, and you’ve been recruited to help restore it.
Along the eastern coast of the Great Southern Reef, something has disrupted the balance in kelp forests. As you may know, food web dynamics are delicate and can be impacted by factors such as climate change and human activity.

 One species in particular is causing troubles:  the longspined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) - a spiky grazer that has been increasing in number and reshaping entire reefs.

Since 2010, a research team has been collecting data on Tasmania’s East Coast on the abundance of:

Rock lobsters 🦞 (predators)

Longspined sea urchins ⚫ (grazers)

Common golden kelp forests 🌿 (foundation species)

Now, we need your scientific skills to analyse this data, uncover what’s driving the change, and figure out how to restore balance to the reef.

Are you ready to look for clues, interpret the evidence, and help solve the urchin problem?


Before you begin, in the next room (Room 1) - Start the clock!

Your mission starts in the next room, Room 1, but before you start, look to the top-left corner of the screen. You’ll see a 30-minute timer.

Click PLAY as soon as you’re ready - this is the time you have to solve all mysteries and escape the reef before the ecosystem collapses!

If you’re competing with classmates or other groups, make sure everyone starts their timer at the same moment. Work fast, think smart, and see who can reach the leaderboard first.

Let’s get to work, scientist - the reef is counting on you!