Dive into the fascinating world of sea urchins and kelp forests, and discover the surprising behaviour these spiky creatures employ to survive!
In this video, we journey to the breathtaking archipelago of Lofoten in Norway, where we meet Karoline, a passionate freediver and teacher. Karoline and her fellow underwater club members have noticed a concerning trend: an increasing number of sea urchins in their local kelp forests.
Sea urchins, fascinating as they are, can pose a threat to kelp ecosystems. Their voracious appetite for seaweed can lead to the formation of urchin barrens, vast underwater deserts where kelp forests once thrived.
But Karoline and her team aren't just observing. Armed with hammers, they dive into the kelp forests to cull sea urchins in an effort to protect and restore kelp. What’s even more interesting is that the urchins are evolving in response.
Sea urchins, fascinating as they are, can pose a threat to kelp ecosystems. Their voracious appetite for seaweed can lead to the formation of urchin barrens, vast underwater deserts where kelp forests once thrived.
But Karoline and her team aren't just observing. Armed with hammers, they dive into the kelp forests to cull sea urchins in an effort to protect and restore kelp. What’s even more interesting is that the urchins are evolving in response.
They've developed cunning camouflage strategies, adorning themselves with shells and seaweed to avoid detection.
Dive in and see for yourself.
Edited by Igor Potgieter
