Mass sea urchin die-off endangers Red Sea corals, say Israeli researchers.

Sea urchins in Israel's Gulf of Eilat are dying off due to an unknown pathogen, which is threatening the Red Sea's coral reef ecosystems. The black sea urchin is critical to maintaining a healthy reef habitat, and without them, algae grow unchecked, choking off corals and compromising the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem. Researchers suspect a "rapidly spreading epidemic" caused by an as-yet-unidentified pathogen. Urgent action is needed to protect Israel's already endangered reef ecosystems.