The presentation and consultation by the South-East Marine Protection Forum was chaired by forum member Prof Khyla Russell.
The forum has been tasked with finding an acceptable form of marine protection for the area stretching from Timaru and Waipapa Point by 2016.
It comprises 17 members, including fishing and conservation advocates.
Puaka Matariki co-ordinator Antony Deaker said he wanted to include the forum - dubbed a wananga - in the festival because the issue of marine protection was ''important to the community''.
Similar consultations have been held along the southeast coastline, including a meeting in Ocean Grove on April 18 that drew a crowd of 90 and featured some spirited debate.
Last night's discussion featured mainly audience members asking questions about the process and the marine life found in the area listed for protection.
There was one outburst, from Ted Palmer, chairman of the Tautuku Block X section 3c Trust, which manages access to the Cathedral Caves in the Catlins.
He said the forum had not adequately consulted him and other trustees.
''Where's the consultation?'' he asked Prof Russell angrily.
''You've got no choice - you have to consult with us.''
After a brief exchange, Prof Russell said: ''I'm happy to answer questions but I don't actually want to debate.''
She later suggested Mr Palmer's concerns might be more appropriately aired in a ''private conversation''.
The consultation was the second held in Dunedin city so far; a third is planned for October 19.
The next consultation will take place in Invercargill on June 20.
