Dietary preferences of the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, for dried macroalgae

Abstract

The harvesting of sea urchins for gonad production has taken place worldwide and is increasing in demand. However, formula feed can be costly and difficult to obtain. Here we investigate the dietary preferences of green urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, with dried macroalgae as an alternate food source in sea urchin aquaculture, for it may be more sustainable and cost-effective. Saccharina latissima was consumed more compared to the other dried macroalgae, Mazzaella splendens, and Costaria costata. Harvesting and supplementing feed with dried Saccharina latissima may serve as a new avenue for sea urchin aquaculture.