With the global demand for sea urchin roe, known as "uni," reaching up to $110 per kilogram, the aquaculture industry is increasingly looking to sea urchin farming as a sustainable solution. Rhode Island's shellfish and kelp farmers are among those exploring the potential of farming these "porcupines of the sea" to meet the demand in U.S. and Asian markets, where uni is highly sought after in sushi and high-end seafood cuisine. As wild sea urchin stocks face overfishing and habitat loss pressures, sustainable farming practices are essential to protect these valuable populations and support a viable industry.
Chapters:
Dr. Coleen Suckling from the University of Rhode Island and Dana Morse o...