Earlier this summer, the Government announced that a two-year moratorium was put into effect on the exploitation of Sea Urchins, citing that a study indicated that the reduction in numbers required this measure.
Divinginfo.mt asked the Environmental Resources Authority for details of this study so that it is shared with divers as well as the wider public.
After a few months of waiting… we’ve been informed that a summary of this study has been published on ERA’s website here: https://era.org.mt/summary-study-exploited-sea-urchins/
The summary states that the study (carried out in 2019 over two periods) indicated very low numbers that compared to the total area covered by the study (“4000m2 area at each of ten (10) selected sites: seven (7) in Malta and three (3) in Gozo”), results in a miniscule “0 – 0.00525 individuals/m2” at best, observed before the bathing season.
Crunching these numbers, and translating them into more tangible information, it means that at best, 21 sea urchins were observed within an area slightly larger than half a football ground.
Out of these maximum of 21, the study says only 17% were of a size normally large enough for collection, i.e., less than 4 in the same area as above.
The highest abundances were noted at diving sites or sites falling within Marine Protected Areas – possibly an indication that a site like the Cirkewwa Marine Park may have a higher population. However, detailed information about populations found in the study were not made available (possibly for good reasons so as not to direct poachers).
The summary states that the study indicated the need for a temporary ban. Seeing the numbers quoted, it’s quite obvious it could have used faster action, and whether the two years moratorium is enough, one still has to see!
Read the summary published at: https://era.org.mt/summary-study-exploited-sea-urchins/
Thanks to ERA for communicating with us this information.
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