How Do Diadema Impact Coral Reef Health?

Diadema antillarium are critical for coral ecosystems because they maintain the reef in a state that is favorable for coral growth and reproduction1. Sea urchins graze on reef systems, feeding on the harmful algae that can interfere with corals.

What’s Happening To These Spiny Sea Urchins?

In the Spring of 2022, it was reported that sea urchins are dying in large numbers across the Caribbean with some numbers being reported in Florida.

While scientists are racing to pinpoint the cause of the mysterious die-off, public education and outreach efforts on this issue are needed, especially along the Florida coral reef tract. Diadema antillarum are so important that researchers at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa last year reared and released nearly 200 long-spined sea urchins off the East Coast to help clean the Florida Reef, which stretches from the Dry Tortugas to Palm Beach.

Our Solution

We are seeking funding to develop and create a Diadema education toolkit and education outreach series. In conjunction with conservation stakeholders in South Florida, we will conduct twelve (12), free, public outreach opportunities to educate communities on the importance of this species on our local coral ecosystems along Florida’s Reef Tract.

These citizen scientists will then be able to identify and report Diadema health to the Diadema Response Network which is in critical need of Diadema health reports from the public.