At the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary along Jamaica’s northern shoreline, Jaye James tends to a unique task: feeding a lively trio of long-spined sea urchins.
An article by Mongabay sheds light on James’ responsibility as she nurtures the urchins every two days, ensuring they remain vibrant in this special nursery.
Feeding involves positioning pulpy green algae near the urchins, sometimes even delicately placing it onto their spines. These marine creatures then employ the gentle suction of their tubular feet to maneuver the algae towards their mouths, which lie close to the tank’s base.
These urchins have a particular fondness for algae, which underscores their crucial role in the Caribbean marine ecosystem. By consuming significant amounts of algae, they help maintain the health of coral reefs, ensuring a balanced competition between the two.
Historical struggles: The decimation of the long-spined sea urchins
The Mongabay article notes that while these urchins boast a history spanning over five million years, marked by their defensive capabilities and distinctive spines, they have faced challenges. A catastrophic disease in the 1980s decimated the population of the long-spined urchins, Diadema antillarum.
Last year, the same disease re-emerged, wreaking similar havoc. The disease-induced decline in urchin populations has allowed algae to overwhelm and asphyxiate healthy corals in Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region, posing threats to coastal communities relying on these marine resources.
The decline in the health of the Caribbean waters traces back to the 1970s, marred by a mix of rising sea temperatures, increased ocean acidification, pollution, overfishing, and the onset of stony coral tissue loss disease.
Around a decade into this troubling period, the 1983 urchin disease outbreak occurred, wiping out a staggering 98 per cent of the Caribbean’s long-spined sea urchins. For years, the disease’s cause remained an enigma.
However, in 2022, another major outbreak set back the urchins’ modest recovery. The spread of this disease started in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, soon reaching other islands such as Dominica, St. Vincent, Barbados, and Jamaica. The disease’s reach extended to at least 25 Caribbean jurisdictions, with data assessments ongoing.
Identifying the disease culprit in 2022
In a breakthrough, researchers identified the disease culprit: a specific scuticociliate species, a marine microorganism. Upon infection, urchins face swift decline, losing their spines and other critical tissues, becoming easy prey. The affliction leads to their demise within days.
(Photo credit: Gladstone Taylor/ Mongabay news)
By November 2022, the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary implemented an urchin nursery plan, initially conceptualized in 2020 by Inilek Wilmot, James’ predecessor. With funding from the United States Embassy, the plan transitioned from blueprint to reality.
Young, healthy urchins from the disease-free waters of Oracabessa Bay were collected to populate the nursery. Their care is straightforward: bi-daily feedings, maintaining natural seawater salinity in tanks, and protection from excessive rainfall.
Currently, the nursery accommodates 24 urchins across eight tanks, each measuring around 200 millimeters (8 inches) across. As these urchins can reach sizes up to 400 mm (16 inches), their current accommodations ensure they have space to thrive.
Beyond Jamaica: Regional efforts to revitalize urchin populations
While Oracabessa stands as the sole urchin nursery in Jamaica, others exist in the Caribbean, such as in Puerto Rico, where marine scientist Stacey Williams manages two nurseries.
Though not formally aligned, James acknowledges that her work is significantly influenced by Williams’ endeavors.
With the looming threat of disease recurrence in the region, scientists are exploring alternative strategies, including potential innovative solutions beyond mere urchin nurseries.
At Oracabessa, James and her team are considering experimenting with cages on reefs to prevent disease spread by isolating the urchins.
