"The Theatrical Talents of Sea Urchins: Masters of Method Acting in The Waste Land"
Sea urchins have wreaked havoc on California's kelp forests, destroying them over a span of seven years. A combination of a marine heatwave and the disappearance of their main predator, sunflower sea stars, allowed the sea urchin population to explode. These sea urchins have entered a zombie-like state, containing very little edible meat, and are now dormant, waiting for any kelp sprout to emerge so they can devour it before other urchins can. They are described as method actors performing "The Waste Land," and their destructive behavior has had a significant impact on the marine ecosystem.