White Rock

Director Damon Gameau (Future Council, 2040, That Sugar Film) embarks on a journey to expose a hidden consequence of the climate crisis – the explosion of longspined sea urchins that are devastating Australia’s kelp forests. Weaving together insights from Traditional Owners, firsthand accounts from fishers, and lessons learned from emerging industries, Damon discovers that a solution to this crisis not only exists, but exemplifies how ecological restoration can go hand in hand with economic opportunity – a true-blue, nature positive approach.

“This feels like a huge opportunity for Australia" Damon Gameau

Collaborative solutions

Warming oceans have enabled urchins to wreak havoc across 2,000 km of Australia's coastline - an area as big as the Great Barrier Reef.

In response, an unlikely team has formed between fishers, Traditional Owners, investors, environmentalists and scientists, to tackle the problem head-on.

White Rock highlights their innovative efforts, from urchin harvesting and creating new industries to promoting urchins as a high-end culinary delicacy. These pioneering, nature-positive solutions are helping restore ecosystems and address a crisis that threatens marine environments in Australia and across the globe.

Restoring balance

White Rock maps a pathway for change toward ecological sustainability and the return of Australian kelp forests.

The film presents a comprehensive strategy to address the urchin crisis through in-water urchin control, habitat rehabilitation, and support for emerging urchin industries. Traditional Owner insights, alongside contributions from leading scientists and firsthand accounts from fishers, deepen the narrative.

By showcasing the power of collaboration between industries and research sectors, White Rock provides a template for tackling climate-driven impacts in our oceans. It highlights how innovative environmental stewardship can restore marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices for future generations.

Learn more, support White Rock, and host a screening on the Great Southern Reef's website.