Vanishing Black Sea Urchins Threaten Coral Reef Ecosystem

The disappearance of black sea urchins from the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea due to a waterborne pathogen is threatening the entire ecosystem, including coral reefs, in the region. The urchins are crucial for maintaining the reefs as they feed on algae that competes with coral for sunlight. The epidemic is spreading to waters off countries in the region, including Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Turkey. Scientists have little time to take action and are calling for international cooperation to establish "broodstock populations" to repopulate and reintroduce the urchins into the region.