Removal and utilization of sea urchin barrens to restore macroalgae forests, economic and ecosystem benefits

Background

In the northern regions of Norway, particularly in Troms and Finnmark, there are extensive numbers of sea urchins on the seabed. This leads to widespread destruction of kelp forests, which are vital underwater habitats. The loss of kelp forests has not only reduced biodiversity but also diminished the availability of nursery grounds essential for various commercially important fish species, impacting the broader marine ecosystem’s health and functionality.

In contrast to the situation in Norway, many countries have managed to maintain sea urchin populations at sustainable levels through targeted harvesting, primarily driven by the demand for sea urchin roe, a prized delicacy in global seafood markets. However, the feasibility of this approach in Norway is limited by the poor quality and quantity of roe produced by sea urchins in barren areas, where food scarcity affects their reproductive organs’ development.

To reduce the number of sea urchins and facilitate the regeneration of kelp forests, various methods have been explored along the Norwegian coast. Techniques such as the application of quicklime to eradicate sea urchin populations and pilot projects aimed at harvesting and enhancing sea urchins for commercial sale have been tested. While these efforts have shown that kelp ecosystems can recover rapidly once sea urchin numbers are controlled, the scalability of such interventions remains a challenge due to the high costs and logistical complexities involved.

Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, a consortium of industry and research partners in Norway has embarked on initiatives to advance sea urchin roe enhancement techniques for commercial purposes. The establishment of facilities in Stavanger and Tromsø represents a significant step forward in developing the necessary technology and protocols to overcome production challenges that have historically hindered the growth of this industry. Despite these advancements, several hurdles remain in creating a viable sea urchin roe enhancement industry, including the development of efficient harvest and transport methods suitable for long distances.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for establishing an economic incentive for the removal of sea urchins from affected areas, thereby contributing to the restoration and maintenance of kelp forests. The success of these endeavors could offer a sustainable pathway to ecological recovery and economic development, aligning conservation efforts with commercial interests in the region. In addition to roe enhancement there are other potentially interesting and economically valuable uses of the sea urchin biomass and these are currently being investigated by a number of companies.

Goals

The primary objective of the Urchin and kelp restoration project is to remove sea urchins from barrens in the north of Norway, restore kelp ecosystems in these areas, identify the optimal use of the sea urchin biomass that is extracted from sea urchin barrens (including aquaculture) and update and quantify all ecosystem services provided through the removal of sea urchin barrens.

What we do