Eilat Bay's Urchins Extinct, Coral Reefs Threatened by Algae.
The entire population of black sea urchins in Eilat Bay has been wiped out by a suspected pathogenic parasite, which could cause irreversible damage to the coral reefs. Sea urchins play a critical role in preventing algae from suffocating corals. Reports of mass die-offs have also come from other Red Sea countries. Urgent steps are being considered to save the coral reefs, including the establishment of a black sea urchin breeding program. The vulnerability and sensitivity of Eilat Bay's ecosystem to environmental changes are being highlighted, and all bodies that deal with the bay are being called upon to discuss how to restrict the flow of nutrients into the sea.