Over 1,000 Rizzi Seized By Authorities & Returned To Sea
Around 1,034 sea urchins were confiscated from a person in Żonqor.
While most of the sea creatures were released back into their natural habitat, a small portion was held by the police as evidence of the illegal activity.
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and law enforcement are working tirelessly together over the growing concern over the unlawful collection of sea urchins.
The recent incident follows the implementation of a strict moratorium aimed at safeguarding the sea urchin population.
Last year, authorities imposed a two-year ban on collecting sea urchins, effective from 7th July 2023, in response to diminishing numbers of these vital marine creatures.
Recognising the important role sea urchins play in maintaining marine ecosystems and supporting various fish species, the Maltese government took decisive action to protect them.
To address the decline, the government launched two key initiatives: a restocking program led by the Department of Aquaculture and the moratorium on sea urchin collection. Under the restocking program, sea urchins are cultivated at Fort Sant Lucian before being released into the seas to bolster their population.
This strategy aligns with Malta’s Multiannual National Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture (2022-2030), emphasising the need for diversification in aquaculture practices. The cultivation process involves careful steps, including ensuring the reproductive health of sea urchins, monitoring their growth, and conducting detailed studies on their nutrition and DNA analysis.
While the ban prohibits sea urchin collection in Maltese waters, it does not restrict their importation. However, restaurants and fish importers must maintain proper documentation to verify the origin of their catch, ensuring compliance with regulations aimed at protecting marine biodiversity.
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