Along the Norwegian coastline there are over 80 billion sea urchins, which are now destroying large marine ecosystems and leaving behind marine deserts. Sea urchins graze down the kelp forests, which are one of the world's largest and most important carbon sinks and serve as a marine habitat for organisms and life on the seafloor along the coast. This is a major problem, the warning lights are flashing red. However, where there are problems solutions can often be found. Marine Spark X aims to be part of the solution!
In the 1960/70s, there was overfishing of species such as cod and wolffish, natural predators of sea urchins. When these were largely removed from the sea, the natural conditions that kept the sea urchin population in check disappeared. This led to a colossal growth of sea urchin populations in Norway. The consequences have been severe. It is estimated that as much as 40% of kelp forests disappear annually due to sea urchin grazing. This has led to imbalances and the loss of important marine ecosystems. Additionally, rising sea temperatures due to global warming have caused the sea urchins to migrate. The species thrives best in cooler temperatures, leading to a concentration of sea urchins in northern, colder waters.
Our ambitions
Marine Spark X aims to prevent the destruction caused by sea urchins along the Norwegian coast and works towards restoring the lost kelp forests. Our goal is to create a sustainable solution that also contributes to a circular economy, providing positive value for the aquaculture industry, local communities, and the environment.
What we do
Marine Spark X is developing a feed product made from the sea urchins found along the northern coastline of Norway. Our feed product will be a local marine product for the aquaculture industry. This is particularly important given that the government has set new regulations for 2034, requiring the aquaculture industry to increase the proportion of local ingrediens in their feed from 8% to 25%. These measures are part of Norway's national strategy to promote sustainable food production and reduce climate emissions. By utilizing the sea urchin, a species that has become a threat can be transformed into a valuable resource for the industry!
Increase of local ingrediens in feed in aquaculture from 8 -25% by 2034, due to governmental regulations
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