Malta’s Sea Urchin Population Is Worryingly Low And Continuing To Decline
The number of sea urchins (rizzi) in Maltese waters is worryingly low and has already reduced over the last few years.
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli revealed in parliament that an Environment Resources Authority (ERA) report into the issue confirmed that populations are dwindling.
ERA is now looking for solutions to address the reducing numbers and increase the population.
The full report will be published soon and a public consultation will be launched soon after.
Sea urchins are a delicacy in Malta and fetch for a premium at restaurants given their availability in Mediterranean waters.
Meanwhile, overfishing and pollution have left a major effect on local reefs, the main habitat of sea urchins.
However, dwindling populations of sea urchins are a particularly major issue in the Mediterranean and there are areas around the globe like California experiencing major increases.
Still, it remains to be seen what can be done to solve the issue in Malta, with the appetites of locals seemingly undeterred by a dwindling supply.
What do you think should be done to save sea urchins?
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