A regenerative logistics service that removes invasive kina and fan worm from barrens, redistributes valuable materials into the circular economy, and actively supports kelp forest restoration.
Kina removals are expensive — ~$350–400/diver/day, 600kg removed per diver per day, 9 months to train a skilled removal diver
Kina return after removal without ongoing management and natural predator recovery
Each removal site requires consent — adding time and complexity to operations
Automation: develop removal technology to reduce the per-kilo cost. Robotics and autonomous harvesting are on the roadmap (Pingo ecosystem)
Crayfish hotel / nursery model: translocation of large crays, introduction of younger crayfish to re-establish natural predator populations
Green gravel deployment and kelp spore seeding in areas that need active revegetation after removal
Trained divers remove ~600kg of kina per day per diver across 4 hours of dive time. Cost: $350–400/day. Takes 9 months to train a quality removal diver.
Priority removal sites in the Hauraki Gulf. These areas have existing kina density data and are closest to MVP for consented operations.
Habitat anchors (crayfish hotels) translocate large rock lobsters back to depleted reefs. Natural predators suppress kina regrowth long-term.
In heavily barren areas, green gravel (kelp spore-seeded substrate) is deployed to actively re-establish kelp where passive recovery is insufficient.