THE BOTTOM – The second large-scale cultivation run of long-spined sea urchins (Diadema antillarum) has successfully produced more than 800,000 larvae, marking another step forward in regional coral reef restoration efforts.
Using new conical tank systems, the project aims to refine scalable methods for breeding Diadema, a key species that helps maintain healthy Caribbean reefs by grazing excess algae. This culture run is being led by marine biologist Fleur Anteau, who will oversee the care and growth of the larvae over the coming weeks.
The work is part of the Diadema II project, a collaboration between Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA), Saba Conservation Foundation, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, Wageningen University & Research, ISER Caribe, Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA, and Nature Foundation Sint Maarten.
Population restoration
Researchers say each successful run brings them closer to restoring Diadema populations and supporting the recovery of degraded coral reef ecosystems across the region.
