Aqaba

Doom of Black Sea Urchins Threatens Red Sea’s Coral Reefs

Black sea urchins in the Red Sea are declining due to a waterborne parasite, threatening coral reefs. First noticed near Eilat, Israel, surveys show a 90% reduction in Aqaba, Jordan, and similar declines in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The species Diadema antillarum experienced a similar mass die-off in 1983-84. The parasite causes paralysis and necrosis. Loss of sea urchins could lead to algae overgrowth, endangering coral reefs and tourism.