Centrostephanus rodgersii is a sea urchin native to New South Wales (NSW) that consumes kelp as part of its natural diet. Kelp is a key habitat for various species, and its eradication results in long-term loss of biodiversity. Urchin barrens are a natural part of the NSW ecosystems, but they can also expand or occur in new areas when the population of sea urchins surges, preventing the recolonisation of kelp that may have been lost due to other stressors. This has occurred in Tasmania and elsewhere around the world, but there remains no clear evidence of this in NSW. Nevertheless, existing studies have only encompassed the past 50 years, and changes in barrens and kelp over longer periods remains unknown. Through a dual approach of utilising both oral traditional knowledge and remote sensing, along with existing literature, this study aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge about urchin barrens in the Yuin (NSW south coast) and identify whether barrens in this area may be increasing due to Centrostephanus rodgersii. This is the first investigation of urchins and kelp relationships that integrates remote sensing and oral histories. Additionally, this research presents a new perspective to the issue of urchin barrens on the South Coast of NSW.