“Over the past years, we have seen a rapid decline of sea urchins in local waters as a result of overexploitation of the species.”

“This moratorium together with the restocking programme set forward by the Department of Aquaculture, come at the right moment in an effort to safeguard marine ecosystems.”

Sea urchins, like all components of the food chain, are key parts making up a healthy ecosystem. Being omnivores, therefore eating both plants and animals, these organisms are a vital part of the marine environment.

Typically, sea urchins largely feed on algae, ensuring and maintaining a balance between coral structures and algal forests. Through their feeding strategies, sea urchins keep algal forests from outgrowing corallinous coral structures, in turn ensuring reef resilience.

Sea urchins are also a source of food for various fish species such as Diplodus vulgaris and Diplodus sargus, as well as crabs such as the spider crabs and also marine snails. The spines of sea urchins also tend to provide shelter to juveniles of various fish species.

With all this considered, a definite step in the right direction was taken through this moratorium, that will allow Malta’s resident sea urchins to continue flourishing and ensure they are not lost forever.

“This moratorium and restocking efforts, together with the right enforcement strategies will hopefully result in an increased abundance and a healthy population of this species.”

Nature Trust has been also working on marine biodiversity issues these last year with regards to marine turtles that visit Maltese waters.

The Ċirkewwa marine Park creation, safeguarding turtle nesting sites and creating awareness on the problems on marine issue such a debris, pollution and ghost fishing equipment, are all top priorities for the NGO.

Are you happy for Malta’s sea urchins?