Restoring the Coast,
One Urchin at a Time
Learn More ↓Urchins Removed:
0 lbs
Kelp Restored:
0 sq ft
Progress
The Problem: Urchin Barrens
Barren zones are an urchin catastrophe in slow motion. Overgrazing by unchecked purple sea urchin populations has decimated kelp forests along the Northern California coast, destroying critical habitat for hundreds of marine species including endangered abalone.
Key Facts
- ◆95% of Northern California's bull kelp forests have been lost since 2014
- ◆Purple urchin populations exploded 10,000% following the loss of sunflower sea stars
- ◆Urchin barrens eliminate biodiversity and destroy commercial fisheries
We are applying innovative aquaculture practices to restore these vital ecosystems while creating sustainable economic value from an ecological threat.
See Our SolutionThe Science of Ranching
Harvest
Divers remove invasive purple sea urchins from barren reefs along the Northern California coast, clearing the way for kelp forest recovery.
Ranch
Harvested urchins are fed a premium kelp diet in our FLUPSY and on-shore tank systems, transforming empty urchins into gold-grade uni.
Serve
Restaurant-ready uni is delivered to top chefs and seafood processors. Every plate served funds continued coastal restoration.
Restoring the Urchin on Record
Ecological Restoration You Can Taste
Our ranching process transforms empty, starving purple urchins into premium uni — one of the most prized delicacies in Japanese cuisine. By creating economic value from an invasive species, we fund the continued restoration of kelp forests.
Every urchin harvested is one less grazing the reef. Every urchin sold to restaurants funds more restoration. It's a virtuous cycle — turning an ecological threat into an economic benefit.
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