A deadly parasite is wiping out sea urchins—the unsung eco-heroes of coral reefs—and scientists are sounding the alarm. Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified scuticociliate, a microscopic menace, as the culprit behind mass die-offs from the Red Sea to the Caribbean. 🌏⚡
Sea urchins act as underwater gardeners, munching on algae that could otherwise smother coral. But since 2022, their populations have crashed by up to 98% in some areas. 'It’s like losing the janitors of a bustling city,' said one marine biologist involved in the Current Biology study.
The parasite spreads faster than TikTok trends, leaving reefs vulnerable to algal takeovers. Researchers warn this could trigger a domino effect, destabilizing marine ecosystems and coastal economies. 🐠💔
While solutions are still evolving, the study highlights the need for urgent global collaboration. After all, coral reefs support 25% of marine life—and they’re not just pretty to look at on Instagram. 📸🌴
