Ever think about sea urchins? Probably not, but maybe you should! Listen in as we talk about how these funky animals survive, how they’re similar to both hedgehogs and zombies, and why they’re considered keystone species in both coral reefs and kelp forests!

BIG TAKEAWAY: While urchins may look like spiky rocks at the beach that you avoid stepping on, they are pivotal to the health of many oceanic ecosystems. ‘Canaries in the coal mine’ of their environments, there are ways we can keep these critical creatures’ populations in check by considering what we wash into our waterways, and eating uni with local sustainability in mind.

Resources:
💡Researcher Spotlight: The Florida Aquarium @floridaaquarium and University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences @ufifas_solutions
🔎Deeper Dive Read: “Sea Urchins of the World: Diversity, Symmetry & Design” by Ashley Miskelly @seaurchinscience
🌊Conservation in Action: Reef Check Foundation (there are chapters worldwide who need participatory scientists, like you!) @reefcheckfoundation
🤙Episode Shoutouts: Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust @mbfishtrust
💰Sustainable Brand We Love: OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch: dedicated to sustainably harvesting, ranching, and processing sea urchin in Oregon @oonee_searanch

Art by Fox and Fish Printing @foxandfishprinting

Music by Garrett Gordon and Steve Colwell of High and Dry @highanddryrock and Low Tide @lowtide.hc

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