Monitoring Sea Urchins for a Thriving Ocean
Ecology – Urchin Population Dynamics
A large-scale ecological shift is occurring along the central coast of California. Recent changes in the abundance and grazing behavior of purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) has shifted a kelp forest that has persisted for decades to a landscape now comprised of a mosaic of urchin barren-kelp forest habitats.
Regional Networking
The vitality of CENSUS comes from students (high school, undergraduate, and graduate) and faculty within and across institutions around the Monterey Bay. As a network between UC Santa Cruz and three Monterey Bay area campuses, we collaboratively monitor sea urchin recruitment from municipal wharfs and piers by engaging high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students, which provides a platform for next generation scientists and upcoming professionals to apply their academic training to real-world research.
Oceanography – Current Models
Oceanographic models that estimate the direction and speed of ocean currents can both explain and predict the destination of larvae. We can use models to explain the observed destinations of larvae determined by settlement collectors deployed from piers and wharfs to predict the destination of larvae.
Kelp Forests
When sea urchin populations are under control, kelp forests grow in abundance. Kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems in the entire world. They provide important habitat for many species of both ecological and economic interest.
Urchin Barrens
When sea urchin populations are left uncontrolled, the scour temperate reefs of kelp and shift the state of the ecosystem to expansive “barrens”. Urchin barrens are considered to represent collapsed kelp forest communities and super far fewer species than intact kelp forests.
Sea urchin life cycle
Sea urchins spawn larvae that drift in ocean currents for several weeks before returning to the nearshore environment. Oceanographic models that estimate the direction and speed of ocean currents can both explain and predict the destination of larvae. We can use these models to explain the observed destinations of larvae determined by the wharf collections of juvenile sea urchins.