TEL AVIV -In the Gulf of Aqaba, a deadly epidemic is rapidly spreading through the Red Sea, causing the extinction of an entire sea urchin species. This dire situation poses a grave risk to the unique and resilient coral reefs found in the region, as highlighted by a team of researchers from Tel Aviv University.

The Gulf of Aqaba, also known as the Gulf of Eilat, has witnessed the complete decimation of the entire population of black sea urchins over a span of a couple of months, according to the findings of the Tel Aviv University research team. These black sea urchins played a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of the coral reefs in the area.

The research conducted by the team from Tel Aviv University, published in two peer-reviewed journals, indicates that similar mass mortality of sea urchins has been observed in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

The likely cause of this devastating phenomenon is a ciliate parasite known for causing diseases, which leads to rapid and widespread death among sea urchins. It is believed that this parasite could be the same one responsible for the significant decline in sea urchin populations in the Caribbean.

Lead researcher Omri Bronstein, affiliated with Tel Aviv University's Steinhardt Museum of Natural History and School of Zoology, explained that within a mere two days, a healthy Diadema setosum, a species of long-spined black sea urchin, transforms into a skeletal structure with extensive tissue loss.

A portion of the deceased sea urchins wash up on the shore, while others are consumed by fish, potentially accelerating the spread of the contagion.

Initially, signs of trouble emerged in the Mediterranean Sea, where sea urchins had invaded over the years, possibly through the Suez Canal, and established themselves. Reports of sea urchin deaths were received several months ago from Greece and Turkey, which initially raised less concern as they were considered an invasive species. However, the pathogen responsible for the mortality has now crossed back into the native population in the Red Sea.

Lead researcher Omri Bronstein stated that currently, there are no viable measures to halt the epidemic. However, there exists a small window of opportunity to establish an isolated population, or broodstock, comprising the remaining sea urchins. This isolated group could potentially be reintroduced in the future.

The research team has submitted a report to Israeli environmental authorities, and urgent measures to safeguard the coral reefs are being explored.

Eilat, a popular Israeli resort town situated on the northern shore of the Red Sea, is renowned among scientists as a haven for coral reefs. These coral formations, which settled in the area thousands of years ago, had to traverse a narrow strait to the south that acted as a thermal barrier. This natural barrier has contributed to their increased resilience against rising temperatures, a global threat to reefs.

The presence of sea urchins in the ecosystem is crucial for maintaining a delicate balance. These sea urchins play a vital role by consuming algae that would otherwise obstruct sunlight and suffocate the reefs.

Lead researcher Omri Bronstein emphasized the significance of sea urchins, stating that coral reefs cannot effectively compete with algae. He underscored the tangible evidence witnessed firsthand, emphasizing that the absence of this species poses a grim outlook for the future of coral reefs.