Restocking of Sea Urchins.
The purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) plays a critical ecological role in the Mediterranean Sea. Recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a keystone herbivore, this organism maintains a healthy balance within the ecosystem. However, a recent report by the Maltese Environment Resources Authority (ERA) highlights a concerning decline in sea urchin populations attributed to overfishing and environmental pollution. This trend mirrors a global issue, prompting the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to advocate for restorative aquaculture – the practice of restocking depleted populations.
In response to this situation, Malta has embarked on a three-year Sea Urchin Restocking Project. This initiative aligns with the nation’s Multiannual National Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture, promoting the use of sea urchins in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Systems (IMTA) alongside their reintroduction into the wild. The project directly contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on sustainable aquaculture practices (SDG 12 & 14) and contributing to a more stable food supply (SDG 2). Additionally, the project fosters economic opportunities within the aquaculture sector (SDG 1) and promotes public health through a nutritious seafood source (SDG 3).
The cornerstone of the project lies in establishing a captive breeding program for sea urchins. Adult specimens will be induced to spawn in controlled environments, and the resulting juveniles will be meticulously raised until reaching a suitable size for release. These young urchins will then be strategically reintroduced into designated areas within Maltese waters, actively replenishing depleted wild populations.
By adopting this proactive approach, Malta demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of its marine resources. The success of this project has the potential to position Malta as a leader in Mediterranean Sea urchin conservation and contribute valuable knowledge to the field of sustainable aquaculture.
