- Spain bans pet hedgehogs due to ecological risks, according to the new Animal Welfare Law.
- Conservation projects release aquarium-bred sea urchins to boost marine populations in the Mediterranean.
- The Chilean sea urchin consolidates its prestige in Japan as a gourmet product and symbol of aquaculture sustainability.
In the last months, sea urchins They have played a prominent role in both Spanish environmental policy and international markets and marine conservation initiatives. This small invertebrate, known for its spiny body and importance in aquatic ecosystems, is now the focus of legislative decisions, scientific projects, and culinary events worldwide.
While in Spain they have been included in the list of species prohibited as pets, projects are being promoted internationally for their recovery and culinary valorization, especially in markets such as Japan. The current situation of sea urchins represents a clash between their ecological role, sustainable management of the marine environment, and the cultural and commercial trends surrounding their consumption and protection.
Spain bans hedgehogs as pets: environmental protection and fines
The recent Law 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare has introduced significant changes in the relationship between citizens and exotic species. Under this regulation, Hedgehogs have been officially banned as pets.Authorities justify the measure by citing the potential danger they pose to native fauna and national ecosystems, as these animals can become invasive species if abandoned or escaped, affecting local biodiversity.
The legislation not only establishes financial penalties that can reach up to 200.000 euros for those who violate the law, but also includes regularization periods for current owners. For a limited period, they will have to report the ownership of prohibited animals, after which the authorities can seize the animals and place them in specialized centers.
Recovery and conservation projects in the Mediterranean
In parallel to the legal restrictions, There are initiatives aimed at recovering natural populations of sea urchins. on the Spanish coast, especially in the Mediterranean. An example of this is the pilot project developed in Xàbia (Valencian Community), where the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Oceanogràfic Foundation have collaborated in the breeding and controlled release of these species into their natural environment.
The recent symbolic act in the bay of Xàbia included the release of 321 sea urchins Raised in specialized facilities, with the participation of representatives from the regional government, biologists, fishermen, and the local community. The goal is to strengthen the survival of native populations, ensure the sustainability of coastal ecosystems, and, at the same time, foster collaboration between scientists and fishermen in conservation tasks.
The controlled reproduction process takes place in aquariums where the sea urchin larvae are fed with cultivated microalgae to ensure their development. When they reach the appropriate stage, They are returned to the sea in the same places of origin of their parents, which increases the chances of adaptation and ecological success.
The Chilean hedgehog: ambassador of sustainability and gastronomy in Japan
On the other side of the planet, the The international projection of sea urchins is also on the riseChile's recent participation in the 2025 Osaka World Expo has consolidated the sea urchin's status as a gourmet product in high demand in Japanese cuisine. Eighty-eight percent of the sea urchins exported by Chile in 88 were destined for Japan, generating a turnover exceeding fifty million dollars, according to official data.
During this international event, representatives of fishing associations and companies from the Los Lagos and Aysén region, together with ProChile, promoted the Quality, safety and traceability of the Chilean sea urchin Through tastings, commercial partnerships, and the inclusion of the product on the menus of renowned Japanese restaurants. This strategy has strengthened the commercial and cultural ties between the two countries and underscores the growing concern for the sustainability of aquaculture.
The success of the hedgehog in the Japanese market is due both to its delicate flavor and texture appreciated by chefs as well as advances in environmental certification of fishing and production. This situation reflects how the sea urchin can be a symbol of biodiversity, a driver of local development, and, at the same time, a representation of the necessary balance between economic exploitation and environmental responsibility.
The debate over sea urchins in Spain, their recovery in the Mediterranean, and their international value as a culinary product reflects the different facets of a species whose future depends on coordinated decisions regarding conservation, regulation, and trade. While the country strengthens its environmental protection through restrictive laws, it is committed to research and restocking to restore damaged ecosystems, and in markets such as Japan, the potential of sea urchins as a high-quality food is being recognized, emerging from an aquaculture approach that is increasingly demanding and respectful of the natural environment.
