Harvesting Urchins for a Thriving Ecosystem
Live purple urchin - 2023
In the serene coastal region of California, where the Pacific Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs, an extraordinary event unfolded. In an effort to save the delicate marine ecosystem from the impact of an overabundance of urchins, my family was invited to dinner at our neighbor's home. Over drinks, my neighbor suggested an eco-friendly trip to preserve the environment, explaining that the urchins were damaging the kelp forest. By consuming them, we could contribute to the restoration of this once-thriving ecosystem. Intrigued, I was unaware of the developments in this realm and desired to learn more.
Having never encountered a live urchin before, I was filled with curiosity about the destination my neighbor planned for us and admired his commitment to both environmental awareness and initiating on new adventures. As the morning sun painted the landscape, we traversed the renowned wine country, immersing ourselves in the splendor of Navarro redwood trees and mosses in Mendocino County. Following the intoxicating scent of the redwoods, our journey continued along Highway 1 until we arrived at Elk, a small community nestled in Mendocino County.
Purple urchins, along with other sea life, grace the rocks and reveal themselves as the tide recedes
Upon reaching the beach, the tide was not sufficiently low to allow us to witness the presence of the urchins. I learned a crucial lesson from my neighbor that timing was paramount, with each minute playing a vital role in determining the lowest tide. Undeterred, we decided to spend the night, eagerly anticipating the opportune moment. Finally, at 6:23 AM, we returned to the beach during the lowest tide, which reached a remarkable depth of -1.09 ft. To my astonishment, I found myself diver-less, standing before an entire submerged kelp forest. Red starfish, dull-colored abalone, transparent phosphorescent seaweed, and countless purplish urchins occupied the space. Through my understanding, these Pacific urchins are actively feeding on algae and kelp, exhibiting an increased consumption rate compared to previous instances. The significant increase in their population has led to the decline of the kelp forest, adversely affecting the lives of starfish, abalone, and other sea creatures. The underlying cause of this imbalance remains uncertain, with no clear evidence to explain it. Some scientists speculate that climate change may contribute, while others continue their investigations. Nevertheless, the unprecedented visibility of urchins along the beach, without the need for diving, signifies a profound change in the ecosystem. Several sea life species, particularly abalone, are strictly regulated by the Californian Department of Fire and Wildlife due to the threat posed by the urchins. As we delicately harvested the urchins, we felt a profound connection with the delicate balance of nature and our responsibility to restore it.
Beyond the noble cause of environmental conservation, consuming urchins presented an additional incentive – their health benefits. The orange-colored lobe inside, known as Uni "うに" in Japanese and Ricci di mare in Italian cuisines, has been a staple in Japanese and Mediterranean culinary traditions for centuries. These creatures are renowned for their rich nutritional profile, offering a plethora of vitamins and minerals. From heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids to high protein content and an array of essential nutrients, consuming urchins proved to be a culinary delight that nourished our bodies as we worked towards restoring the ocean's harmony. Harvesting and consuming them in the wild Pacific Ocean in California provided a vibrant experience. My neighbor taught me the art of opening urchins, and we shared them with our family and even strangers we encountered along the way.
Our experiences by the Pacific Ocean taught us that we could not undertake this mission alone. I must admit that I experienced mixed feelings, torn between scientific facts and the joy of the culinary experience. Urchins transform the once-colorful kelp forest into a barren landscape, but the reasons behind their population increase remain unknown to my humble understanding. Urchins are sensitive creatures, and their spines indicate their health and the condition of their environment. According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, they are among the first sea life species to exhibit signs of a healthy or distressed ecosystem. When we harvested them, their spines were vibrant and robust, signaling their well-being. Saving the ecosystem required the involvement of more individuals and organizations, each willing to contribute their time and effort. By uniting in our endeavor, we could make a significant impact and restore the delicate balance that had been disrupted. While it may be possible for restaurants to head to the ocean to harvest urchins, a Californian chef who treated us to urchin clarified that the ones found near the shore are classified as grade B, featuring a texture inside reminiscent of eggs. To obtain superior quality urchins, he advised diving two miles away from the shore to procure grade A specimens.
As we immersed ourselves in this captivating and scientific expedition, we recognized the significance of harmonizing with nature. We grasped the vital importance of sustainable harvesting practices and I conveyed to my neighbor the stark contrast between experiencing it in person and merely reading about it online. To be present and witness the wonders firsthand was a transformative experience. By awakening to the scientific realities, embracing the health benefits of consuming urchins, immersing ourselves in the art of culinary exploration, and acknowledging the necessity of collective action, we felt an intrinsic connection to a journey of knowledge and making a positive impact on the world, even in our small contributions.
The low tide at 6:23 AM revealed the exposed kelp forest along the Pacific Ocean in a photo captured by Marc Northstar