Problem
Kelp forests are the foundation of our marine ecosystems. However, due to overfishing of predatory species, climate change and pollution, sea urchin populations have exploded around the world, collapsing whole kelp forests and turning them into lifeless, desert-like urchin barrens. The urchins then starve, lose their nutritious and economically valuable roe, and become empty. Fishers do not catch them to produce uni, and predatory species do not eat them as they are not worth the effort. Urchin barren states can persist for decades or even centuries if we do not intervene.
Solution
Urchinomics has developed a novel method to reduce urchin grazing pressure and help kelp forests to recover. Urchinomics specifically targets urchins found in urchin barrens and re-home them into their proprietary land-based urchin aquaculture systems. They are then fed a naturally derived, sustainably produced feed made primarily from the offcuts of kombu kelp production for human consumption to fatten up their roe. And in 6 to 12 weeks, the urchins are full of roe and ready for market. And as a direct consequence of removing the empty urchins from the barrens, urchin grazing pressure is reduced and contributes to kelp restoration.
Presentation Contents
Urchinomics proposes to present:
- how overgrazing urchins are ranched and commercialized from their commercial scale urchin ranch currently operating in Oita, Japan, as well as at their pilot sites in Norway, Canada and the US.
- how kelp forests can rebound when urchin overgrazing pressure is reduced
- how the business model is designed to promote kelp forest restoration
- how the market for sea urchin roe is developing
- how Urchinomics has secured some of the world´s largest investors like Lukas Walton and ENEOS CVC to back its global expansion plans