Sea urchin populations are exploding – the latest from Ocean Impact Organisation

Urchins, urchins, everywhere:  A big focus for our messaging at OIO is reminding the public that we live on Planet Ocean. With the ocean covering 70% of the earth’s surface and providing far more habitable space that the terrestrial regions humans occupy, the ocean truly is the blue beating heart of the planet and rapidly requires more recognition and assistance to maintain its balance - and our own.

But Planet Ocean is changing. Just like the atmospheric climate that is shifting from a stable platform for abundant, thriving and biodiverse terrestrial life so too is the ocean. In fact, many of the changes we are experiencing on land are a direct result of the changes to the ocean. 

Ocean warming, ocean acidification, shifting currents, changes to nutrient flows and how marine life responds to changes are all critical issues that challenge the scientific, policy-making, commercial and entrepreneurial communities to understand, and ultimately create solutions. 

In this week’s Ocean Impact Podcast we take a look at one organisation’s response and solution to a little known consequence of ocean change: sea urchin barrens and their impact on kelp forests, the rainforests of the sea. 

Ocean Change is Real

As a result of changes to ocean temperatures, water quality and disruptions to marine biodiversity caused by activities such as overfishing, sea urchins are exploding around parts of the world. Sea urchin populations would normally be kept in check within healthy ecosystems but can thrive and dominate ecosystems that are out of balance. 

Such is the case along the east coast of Australia and down to the Southern Ocean of Tasmania. Warming waters, reduced predator species and other factors have led to sea urchin populations exploding and the most noticeable victim is the kelp forests that are so intrinsic to ecosystem health. To make matters worse, once urchins have grazed the kelp habitat they become starved of food meaning they are no longer a desirable food source for predators or… us. 

A solution: harvest urchins for human consumption. 

In cultures such as Japan, sea urchin roe (uni) is a sought after delicacy. With a sweet, oceanic flavour it can be eaten raw as sushi or added to meals like pasta or risotto for a delicious sustainable seafood ingredient. 

Urchinomics is a Dutch startup with a global footprint that was shortlisted as a Finalist in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020. Urchinomics have developed a novel solution to the emerging problem of sea urchin overpopulation through a harvesting and ranching model whereby collected urchins are ranched on a proprietary feedstock to make premium grade uni for high end restaurants around the world. Ocean ecosystems are restored, happy customers consume a premium product and the rainforests of the sea can thrive once again. Win win win.

The Ocean Impact Podcast  Episode 5 - Brian Takeda from Urchinomics

In episode 5 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Brian Takeda, Founder and CEO of Urchinomics.

Listen to this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast on:

 Spotify

 YouTube