But the urchin’s disappearance is incredibly dangerous for the unique coral reefs here and elsewhere in the Mediterranean region. Black sea urchins feed on the algae that grows on the reef.

The whole population of black sea urchins, a species known for helping keep coral reefs healthy in the waters also known as the Gulf of Eilat, was wiped out over a couple months, according to a ...

Sea urchins in general, and black sea urchins specifically, are considered key species essential for the healthy functioning of coral reefs. Following the studies, an urgent report describing the ...

Getty Images Black sea urchins used to blanket the seabed off Israel and Egypt The sea urchins play a vital role by helping coral larvae to settle and grow, and also by eating algae, stopping it ...

The epidemic was so severe that despite the fact that thousands of long-spined black sea urchins lived on the northern shore of the Gulf of Eilat, and they were the dominant urchin species in Eilat’s ...

Coral reefs around the world are in trouble. Sea urchin populations are skyrocketing, which is threatening some reefs in ...

Coral reefs form a vital part of the marine ecosystem, playing host to diverse species and supporting multiple industries, ...

The new black coral species was discovered in April 2022 during a joint Smithsonian and National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) expedition to a stretch of the Caribbean Sea just south of Puerto Rico.

The mission was so remote that often the closest humans to the vessel were on the International Space Station. View on euronews ...

The particular species of sea urchin impacted is a well-known protector of coral reefs and the deaths put the already fragile reef ecosystem in even more peril. Sign up here. The pandemic was ...