How it works
We map areas where overgrazing urchins have decimated kelp forests, known as urchin barrens.
Over 70,000 square km of kelp forest have been destroyed due to urchin overpopulation.
Once an urchin barren has been identified, the work below the surface begins.
Our divers, often local fishers and restoration partners, harvest live urchins directly from the seabed. The harvest is strategic. We only remove urchins, leaving other marine life undisturbed, hence minimising ecological disruption.
The harvested urchins are moved to our bespoke land-based raceway systems.
Here, for 8 to 12 weeks, they are fed a proprietary, plant-based diet under controlled conditions, designed to enhance premium uni development and improve product consistency. Unaffected by seasons and extreme weather, we are always ranching. Our quality uni is available for the market 365 days a year.
Before (zombie) and after ranching:
Urchins are processed, graded and packed for culinary partners across the globe.
Our systems enable consistency of size, taste, and freshness, which is critical for high-end chefs and distributors, and we serve all 3 premium categories: Ita board, ensui and half shell.
“The taste and quality is consistent, as well as the price. I can recommend to customers with confidence.”
Kazutaka Toma, Head Chef, Michelin-star restaurant Antica Osteria Del Ponte
With fewer urchins, a healthy ecosystem thrives.
Decreased CO₂ in the atmosphere
Restored CO₂ absorption by kelp
Reduced sea temperatures
By restoring kelp, we restore local communities
This unlocks a chain reaction. Fishing comes back, tourism rebounds, and local economies begin to thrive again. For coastal communities, it is more than environmental restoration. It is a path back to livelihood and intergenerational stability.
Our Global Operations
Japan
- Live sites:
- 02
- Pipeline sites:
- 03
- Country Lead:
- Shintaro Ishida
Equipped with a 20-year career at trading house Sumitomo Corporation and food manufacturer Ajinomoto, Shintaro benefitted from exposure to multinational M&A and sharpened his skills in new business development, making him the perfect fit for this key region.
Norway
- Live sites:
- 00
- Pipeline sites:
- 03
- Country Lead:
- Ivar Kvangardsnes
As a seasoned and highly knowledgeable professional, Ivar has 25 years of executive experience in aquaculture and finance, holding senior roles at Grieg Seafood, Atlantic Cod Farms, and KPMG.
New Zealand
- Live sites:
- 00
- Pipeline sites:
- 03
- Country Lead:
- Maru Samuels
With over 20 years of experience working with Māori and South Pacific Fisheries, Maru has led multiple indigenous aquaculture and fisheries transformations. At Urchinomics, he drives research-based innovation and advocates for sustainable kina ranching, ensuring indigenous communities play a central role in restorative sea urchin projects.
Australia
- Live sites:
- 00
- Pipeline sites:
- 03
- Country Lead:
- Shane McHugh
With over 25 years of experience in business management, primarily in the seafood sector, Shane’s skillset in all aspects of seafood and aquaculture operations include aquaculture production, hatchery production and processing, supported with his proficiencies in start up business development.
Canada
- Live sites:
- 00
- Pipeline sites:
- 02
- Country Lead:
- Dr. Nik Sachlikidis
As a leading figure in the marine sciences globally, Nik possesses over 20 years of experience leading large-scale aquaculture operations, his patented innovations have significantly reduced sea urchin mortality rates and improved water quality. He oversees aquaculture advancements, innovation, and capital project execution, helping to develop scalable, sustainable farming solutions that enhance global urchin restoration efforts.
USA
- Live sites:
- 00
- Pipeline sites:
- 03
- Country Lead:
- Jack Cadman
Equipped with a first class qualification in Science and Mathematics and a career journey immersed in aquaculture, working closely with both the leading science and business professionals in Urchinomics, he heads the US operation as Country Lead, in this rapid business growth region.
Chile & Mexico
- Live sites:
- 00
- Pipeline sites:
- 02
- Country Lead:
- Perry Bevin
As part of the Urchinomics founding team, Perry has 36 years’ experience growing food, aquaculture, and biotech businesses, scaling Acadian Seaplants globally. His strategic thinking coupled with his key relationships in the sector, have resulted in successes experienced in the likes of Acadian Seaplants and Outcast Foods, driving rapid and sustainable growth for both large-scale organizations and startup businesses.
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FAQs
Urchin barrens form when sea urchin populations explode and graze kelp forests faster than they can regrow. This usually happens when predators such as sea otters, lobsters, or fish are reduced by overfishing, disease, or environmental change. Without natural checks, urchins overrun the ecosystem, leaving behind rocky seascapes with little biodiversity.
Surprisingly few. Just 30–40 urchins per square meter can wipe out a kelp bed, leaving behind a lifeless barren. Once that happens, the urchins can persist in a “zombie” state for decades, preventing recovery.
Quite the opposite. In many regions, sea urchins are overabundant, creating ecological imbalances. While some species in certain places are harvested sustainably, the problem isn’t too few urchins but far too many in the wrong places. By restoring balance, we help both kelp forests and healthy urchin populations thrive.
Recovery can be surprisingly fast. In some regions, kelp begins to regrow within months once urchin pressure is reduced. Within a few years, restored forests can provide habitat for fish, store carbon, and protect coastlines again. The exact timeline depends on local conditions, but the potential for rapid rebound is one of the most exciting aspects of kelp restoration.
Farmed uni is produced in a controlled, land-based system where urchins are fed a tailored diet of seaweed. This results in consistently rich, golden roe that chefs can rely on year-round. In contrast, wild-caught uni can vary widely in taste, color, and texture depending on the season and location. Farming also ensures a sustainable supply without depleting wild populations.
Uni (the roe of sea urchins) is considered a delicacy worldwide, especially in Japan, North America, and parts of Europe. The global market is valued in the billions of dollars annually, and demand continues to rise. However, supply often struggles to keep up due to the difficulty of sourcing high-quality, sustainably harvested uni.
The Urchinomics model is designed to expand globally. Urchin barrens exist on coastlines from Norway to Japan to North America, and the demand for uni is international. By partnering with local communities, governments, and investors, the model can be replicated wherever urchin overgrazing threatens kelp ecosystems.
Sea urchins are low on the food chain, feeding mostly on seaweed. This means they don’t accumulate heavy metals like larger predatory fish do. As a result, urchins are generally considered a safer and cleaner seafood option compared to species like tuna or swordfish.