[1] Kina populations throughout New Zealand have dramatically grown due to the effects of overfishing and climate change, resulting in over-grazing that significantly damages kelp forest ecosystems.

[2] Kina have been a traditional component of Māori diet since pre-European times and has been fished commercially since 1986 in small quantities under the quota management system in restricted areas along the coast of New Zealand.

[1][3] Attempts to export E. chloroticus to Asian markets have been unsuccessful, so it may not be an economically attractive species for aquaculture development.

[6] The most important predators are the eleven-armed sea star, Coscinasterias calamaria, the seven-armed prickly starfish Astrostole scabra, the spiny lobsterJasus edwardsii and Snapper.

[14][15] The larvae of E. chloroticus are known to settle on substrates covered with coralline algal species, such as Corallina officinalis[14] as well as artificial surfaces.

[1] High sedimentation loads in the water column, such as those associated with residential construction, have a negative effect on settling sea urchins.

Kina were known to develop a bitter taste during much of the year, with the blooming of the kōwhai in spring or pōhutukawa in summer indicating times when the roe was particularly palatable.

[7] Sea urchin gonads are highly prized in some Asian and European seafood markets where demand has been increasing.

[18] 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.

[5] Many of the Kina's natural predators, such as crayfish and snapper, have experienced population decline due to the effects of global warming and overfishing.

[21] Kina continue to multiply rapidly, even in their natural environment, caused by a lack of adequate predation.