Swarm of sea urchins spotted off Badian, Cebu coast

A swarm of sea urchins was spotted off the coast of Badian, Cebu.

In Kuya Kim’s report on 24 Oras on Wednesday, Badian resident Maria Corazon Capio — who captured the sight on video — said she was stunned after a portion near their shoreline turned dark as countless of sea urchins crowded the area.

“On that time, medyo marami po siya. Parang hindi po siya normal kasi nakasanayan po namin maliliit lang po sila,” Capio said.

Residents find it hard to swim and wade in the waters whenever sea urchins appear due to their sharp spines. 

Nevertheless, Maria said they consider the sea urchins as a blessing. While some harvest the sea urchins to sell, others harvest them for their own consumption. 

"Naging hanapbuhay na din sa mga tao dito sa Badian," she shared. "Kung wala kaming pera, pupunta lang kami dito sa dagat tapos dito na kami kakain." 

According to Oceana Philippines science and campaign specialist Diovanie De Jesus, the sea urchins' sudden appearance off the coast could indicate a possible ecosystem imbalance.

“Natural naman silang nakatira sa ating coral reefs, sa buhangin, or sa seagrass. Pwede itong indicator ng ecosystem imbalance kasi maaaring kakaunti na 'yung mga predators nila,” De Jesus explained.

“Wala namang batas na nagpipigil na kumain ng tuyom, kung maaari ay for local consumption. Hindi naman siya nakakalason," he added. 

In the report, Kuya Kim explained that sea urchins have been around for over 450 million years and have survived several mass extinctions. 

Sea urchins are invertebrates, meaning they have no bones. Instead, they possess a hard outer shell made of calcium called “test.” 

Sea urchins also do not have brains or eyes; instead, they have light-sensitive cells around their bodies that help them detect light. Their spines serve both for movement and protection against predators. 

Some species of sea urchins have venomous spines that can cause intense pain when touched or stepped on.

Meanwhile, the Mesocentrotus franciscanus, also known as the giant red sea urchin, holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest sea urchin species. 

Native to the North-East Pacific Ocean, its test can grow up to 18 centimeters in diameter, with spines reaching up to eight centimeters long. 

According to Kuya Kim, giant red sea urchins are also considered among the longest-living animals, capable of surviving for more than 100 years.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News