Sea Urchin Die-Off Endangers Eilat Coral Reef in Red Sea

The mass mortality of sea urchins, particularly black sea urchins, in the Mediterranean Sea has spread to the Gulf of Eilat, threatening to destroy the coral reef. Sea urchins are essential for coral reefs' healthy functioning, as they eat large amounts of plant materials, ensuring a balance that allows the corals to thrive against the algae. The pathology observed in the sea urchins dying in Greece and Turkey is identical to the pathology in the Caribbean, and it's also the pathology seen in the sea urchins dying in the Red Sea. The cause of mortality is a pathogenic ciliate parasite, and the team has submitted their report and recommendations for emergency steps to save the coral reefs to the Nature and Parks Authority.