Sea Urchins in Sicily at Risk of Extinction Due to Culinary Delicacy
Researchers suggest a three-year fishing ban to prevent the disappearance of sea urchins in Sicily.
Sea Urchin Fishing Threatens their Existence
The Sicilian sea urchin, known for its popularity as a culinary delicacy, is facing extinction if urgent conservation measures are not taken. Researchers have warned that the sea urchin population is gradually disappearing from local waters due to excessive fishing.
Last week, a proposal was made by a local politician to implement a three-year ban on sea urchin fishing in Sicily. However, this idea is likely to be met with opposition from both fishermen and restaurateurs.
While the need to preserve the sea urchin species is acknowledged, those in the restaurant industry argue that a ban would have a significant impact on their businesses. Sea urchin spaghetti, a popular dish in Sicily, can serve up to 40 dishes a day at some restaurants.
Illegal Fishing and Restricted Licenses
Although there are already restrictions on sea urchin fishing in Sicily, the problem persists due to hundreds of illegal fishers. Currently, only 12 fishermen hold regular licenses for sea urchin fishing.
The methods used by illegal fishers are simple, as sea urchins can be found at shallow depths. However, their activities pose a significant threat to the sea urchin population.
Researchers from the University of Palermo have presented a study to the Sicilian government, stating that a complete pause in fishing for at least three years is necessary to preserve the species.
Sea Urchin Decline and the Culinary Industry
The decline in the sea urchin population is attributed not only to fishing but also to the effects of the climate crisis and pollution. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization highlights that the stony, purple sea urchins are sensitive to environmental conditions.
However, the main driver of their decline in Sicily is the culinary demand for them. Marco Toccaceli, from the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, states that intense illegal fishing is driven by the nutritional and economic value placed on sea urchins in Sicily.
Since the publication of the study, there have been calls for a legislative proposal to ban sea urchin fishing in Sicily's waters. The proposal aims to save the species from extinction and protect the ecosystem.
Contrasting Sea Urchin Populations
While the sea urchin population is at risk in Sicily, scientists in California are dealing with the opposite problem. The sea urchin population there has exploded by 10,000% since 2014 due to the decline in sea otters and starfish, which are natural predators of sea urchins.
This explosion in population has resulted in vast damage to kelp forests, with an estimated 95% of the forests in California being destroyed. These kelp forests provide important shelter and food sources for marine life.
The contrasting situations in Sicily and California highlight the need for conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of sea urchin populations and their ecosystems.
