The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) recently conducted a marine campaign targeting elevated sea urchin populations in the waters around Shraoh Island. The effort aimed to restore marine habitats and maintain the ecological balance within the affected areas.
Led by the assistant undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs, the campaign involved ministry divers as well as volunteers. Specialist teams performed monitoring and field surveys that revealed unusually high densities of sea urchins, locally referred to as “Al Sheet,” at multiple marine sites. This prompted the ministry to implement a carefully planned intervention to address the population surge and protect the natural balance of the ecosystems.
Divers collected sea urchins from selected locations, subsequently crushing them and returning the processed material to the marine environment. This approach is designed to support the natural food chain, providing nourishment for fish and other marine species, while assisting in the restoration of ecological equilibrium.
Officials indicated that sea urchins are a natural component of marine ecosystems, playing important roles in ecological processes. However, when present in excessively high concentrations, sea urchins can damage coral reefs and other habitats. The ministry emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and scientifically informed management practices to mitigate such impacts.
Several environmental factors may contribute to the rise in sea urchin numbers, according to the ministry. One significant factor is the decline in predatory fish species, such as parrotfish, which naturally feed on sea urchins and help regulate their populations.
To enhance management efforts, the MoECC is collaborating with scientific and research institutions to develop and evaluate appropriate methods for controlling sea urchin densities in affected areas. The goal is to ensure that interventions are both effective and sustainable, preserving the health of natural habitats over the long term.