Protozoan parasite identified as culprit behind Caribbean sea urchin die-off.

A team of scientists has identified the cause of the 2022 sea urchin die-off in the Caribbean and Florida as microscopic organisms known as ciliates. The die-off will have dire long-term effects on the region's coral reefs and ecosystem. The researchers hope that by identifying the culprit, they can proactively protect the remaining sea urchins and give coral reefs a fighting chance.