30 days. The larvae of E. chloroticus are known to settle on substrates covered with coralline algal species, such as Corallina officinalis as well as artificial surfaces. High sedimentation loads in the water column, such as those associated with residential construction, have a negative effect on settling sea urchins. Evechinus chloroticus can grow between 0.8 and 1 cm in diameter only in its first year of life, and growth rate of in wild populations has been reported between 1–2 cm in diameter annually. Aquaculture Sea urchin gonads are highly prized in some Asian and European seafood markets where demand has been increasing (James 2010). In the New Zealand market, the roe can reach NZ$70 per kg. However, because E. chloroticus is not well known in Japan and has a reputation for having a bitter taste, this sea urchin is unable to reach a high price in export markets (James 2010). Despite the fact that E. chloroticus is not a profitable species for aquaculture, there are many studies on the complete culture of this species, especially relating to roe enhancement from fished sea urchins. There is strong interest in the production of good quality roe through roe enhancement, which could allow the export of them to markets such as Japan. Roe enhancement for only nine weeks can give the greatest return for the lowest costs (feeding and maintenance). Also, it is more profitable to enhance sea urchins with low gonad index which are found in the North Island rather than the South Island. The growth rate in juveniles of E. choloticus maintained in the laboratory is around 1 mm of diameter per month. Maturity in this species depends on the feed quality and availability rather than the sea urchin size (Barker et al.1998). Therefore, it can reach maturity as small as 30 mm if it is fed with a prepared diet (Barker et al.1998). Artificial diets for sea urchins are well developed. However, more studies in appropriate artificial food for newly settled sea urchins are necessary as well as the design of systems for the nursery culture of post-settled sea urchins (James 2010). Toxicology Copper is having a detrimental effect on all stages of E. choloticus. For gametes, LOEC of >15 μg/L over one hour. For pluteus stage, LOEC of 10.4 μg/L over 4 days. For adults, LOEC of 50 μg/L over 2 weeks. References • Barker MF, Keogh JA, Lawrence