How Purple Sea Urchins are Taking Over California's Coastal Waters
Clip: Season 2 Episode 6 | 1m 50s
"Urchin barrens" show unhealthy imbalance in the ocean.
Certain circumstances in the ocean can lead to "urchin barrens," where urchins dominate the ocean floor and mow down kelp forests. And without kelp, abalone are left to starve. But while urchin barrens may seem like a win for the species, the imbalance eventually leaves them malnourished. A healthy balance of diverse species is essential to thriving near-shore ecosystems.
Earth Focus is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal
How Purple Sea Urchins are Taking Over California's Coastal Waters
Clip: Season 2 Episode 6 | 1m 50s
Certain circumstances in the ocean can lead to "urchin barrens," where urchins dominate the ocean floor and mow down kelp forests. And without kelp, abalone are left to starve. But while urchin barrens may seem like a win for the species, the imbalance eventually leaves them malnourished. A healthy balance of diverse species is essential to thriving near-shore ecosystems.
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Dying Oceans: Abalone Restoration In California Preview
Video has Closed Captions
Entire aquatic ecosystems are beginning to collapse. (30s)
How Abalone Genes Could Help Marine Life Survive Our Changing Oceans
Video has Closed Captions
A captive breeding lab hopes to understand how abalone can survive increasing ocean acidification. (8m 28s)
How The Cultured Abalone Farm Could Be Key to Conservation
The Cultured Abalone Farm's sustainable operation could be the key to the animal's conservation. (5m 50s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Earth Focus is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal