URI scientist to lead effort to boost sea urchin farming in New England
A team of researchers, aquaculture production specialists and educators, led by
a University of Rhode Island scientist, has been awarded a grant from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center to improve
hatchery production of the green sea urchin and engage prospective urchin
farmers on growout possibilities in the Gulf of Maine and coastal northern New
England.
The $100,000 project is led by
Coleen Suckling, URI assistant professor of sustainable aquaculture, with
collaborators Steve Eddy and Luz Kogson of the University of Maine, Larry
Harris of the University of New Hampshire, and Dana Morse of Maine Sea Grant
and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
According to Suckling, the green sea
urchin is the target of a lucrative fishery in Maine, but one experiencing low
harvest levels in recent years due to a combination of overharvesting and
shifts in habitat. Efforts to produce urchins through aquaculture have not
proven profitable or effective in augmenting wild populations.
Fun sea urchin fact:
The only parts of the urchin that are edible are the gonads, the reproductive organs that are so highly prized on the plate. The texture of sea urchin is creamy and custardy in the beginning of the season and grows firmer and more granular as the roe develops in preparation for spawning.
There is a strong international demand for sea urchins, mostly driven by the Asian market, yet this demand is poorly met by North American suppliers, largely due to declining natural stocks and increased stock regulation,” said Suckling.
Recent advances in technology,
techniques and feeds at urchin farms around the world will enable Suckling and
staff at the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research
to study how to adapt these advances to local hatchery and nursery culture.
“Hatcheries across the world show
that it’s possible to reliably grow hundreds of thousands of sea urchin seed in
a predictable and cost-effective fashion,” Eddy said.
“The challenge lies in optimizing
the hatchery methods, which are specific to the species, the location and the
seawater conditions available to each hatchery,” Suckling added.
The research team will also engage regulatory agencies and prospective urchin producers in the Northeast to communicate developments in the availability of urchin seed stock and understand the interests and needs for producers and regulators.
In addition,
growth trials at Maine aquaculture sites will be conducted to track growth and
survival, assess different feeds, and understand husbandry considerations.
“We are especially excited that the
project enables us to offer sea urchin seed stock at no cost to new growers,”
Suckling said.
“We already have several growers we
are working with, and we’re looking to sign up more. We believe sea urchins are
a natural fit with kelp aquaculture and oyster farms,” said Eddy.
Green sea urchins are found in the cool waters of Maine and south to Massachusetts, though there have been reports of them in the waters around Block Island, Rhode Island, as well. Suckling is investigating reports from scuba divers of green sea urchins elsewhere in the coastal waters of Rhode Island, but green sea urchins are not currently considered a native species in the state.
If she can confirm these sightings,
Suckling said that the potential for aquaculture production of green sea
urchins in Rhode Island should be explored.
Aquaculturists interested in
learning more should contact Suckling at coleensuckling@uri.edu or
Luz Kogson at luz.kogson@maine.edu to receive project updates
and be added to the list of those seeking urchin seed. Suckling is especially
interested in hearing from anyone who has seen green sea urchins – rather than
the native purple urchins – in Rhode Island waters and can provide photographs
or site details.