The Battle To Control Sea Algae

Our scientists are working hard to keep our creatures in the sea going in spite of global warming. The fact that they are helping with the hopes we can turn around the carbon load in time is something to hang on to for the future.

10/15/20241 min read

he scientific review magazines and publications I have been observing lately are concentrating hard on the efforts of scientists to help our oceans, especially when it comes to algae growth.

As we know, much of the coral in the ocean is dying off in spite of efforts to grow them in labs and strategically place them in ocean beds. The algae that covers coral is causing much of the issue which is why sea urchins have become so valuable.

So now, in spite of the fact that many of the adult population has long gone due to global warming, rampant fishing beyond sustainable limits, poor water quality due to pollution and other factors, scientists and concerned groups are bringing back urchins who snack on algae like there is no tomorrow.

Nature endows all organisms with special tasks and they are often rewarded with a reliable source of sustenance. Since algae is their food of preference and the sea floor is now devoid of much coral, what sits in the same spot is the algae that once covered them. All that is necessary is the ‘critters’ known as sea urchins.

In a story published in the Hakai Magazine by Lisa S. Gardiner dated July 30, 2024 entitled: ‘The Very Hungry Urchins’ the tale of how this is being done is referred to in detail.

The object of their attention is the Carribean and the area they chose to grow the urchins is South of Tampa Bay, Florida in custom-designed aquariums. The Florida Aquarium and the University of Florida are joined forces to ensure this project is a success.

I think efforts like this show we still believe we can change the tide of events assuming that one day soon we are all able to agree on working together to save the planet. These people are making sure we have the creatures in place once this becomes a reality.