La release of sea urchins in Xàbia has become one of the most notable actions this month for the protection and regeneration of the Marine ecosystem of the Valencian Community. In an atmosphere marked by collaboration between public administrations, the scientific community and the fishing sector, Xàbia hosted the release of hundreds of captive-bred sea urchins in order to return them to their natural environment.
Beyond the symbolic act, the event responds to the urgent need to strengthen the sea urchin population, a species essential to the balance of the seabed, which had suffered a sharp decline in recent years due to overexploitation and other environmental factors.
A pioneering and collaborative project
This initiative combines the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Livestock and Fisheries, Oceanogràfic Foundation and the fishermen's guilds of Xàbia and Dénia. main goal It is the recovery of sea urchin populations through captive breeding and subsequent release in the same area where the breeding specimens were collected.
The councilor, Miguel Barrachina, highlighted that with this pilot project The commitment to the conservation of the marine environment is reaffirmed.This step is key to ensuring the sustainability of our coastal ecosystems. and highlights the joint work of scientists and fishermen," he stressed.
The process includes the breeding and feeding of hedgehog larvae At the Oceanogràfic facilities in Valencia, they are fed with microalgae until they reach the optimal size for release back into the sea. The fishermen actively participate, in addition to their daily work, in the fattening and reintroduction phases.
Results and count of released specimens
During the day the following was carried out: release of 321 sea urchins, all of them raised under scientific supervision. Along with them were also released nine seahorses recovered and a sea turtle rehabilitated after being accidentally captured in fishing nets in the area.
The release was attended by authorities such as the Mayor of Xàbia, the regional government's head of fishing, Oceanogràfic executives, and the local guild's chief patron., who highlighted the importance of collaborating to achieve tangible results in the protection of marine biodiversity.
This type of actions not only favor the direct recovery of threatened species, but also act as a powerful tool for social awareness on the fragility of the marine environment.
Community involvement and environmental awareness
Experts insist that the collaboration of the fishing sector It is essential for the success of these programs and to ensure that rescued specimens can return to their habitat in optimal conditions. Traditional fishing In the Mediterranean, it is not only an economic and social driver, but also contributes to the cleanliness and preservation of the sea: last year alone, fishermen collected tons of waste, mostly plastic, helping to cleaning the Mediterranean.
During the event, the importance of minimize contact with wildlife, avoid disturbing marine animals, do not use flash when photographing species, and notify emergency services if you spot vulnerable wildlife to activate protection protocols.
Defense of the fishing sector and sustainability
Next to the ecological recovery, the release of sea urchins in Xàbia served as a platform to demand the need to protect the economic and social viability of the fishing sectorIndustry voices criticized European fisheries management and called for policies that balance ecosystem conservation with the maintenance of traditional activities.
It was emphasized that it is essential to adapt the regulations to the real needs of the territory, working with local communities and the European administration to ensure a sustainable future both for marine biodiversity and for those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
The joint effort of institutions, scientists and fishermen has made it possible to advance in the protection of sea urchins and raising public awareness about the importance of protecting the Mediterranean. Actions like this demonstrate that it is possible to find a balance between human development and respect for nature, offering hope for the health of coastal ecosystems.
