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Sea urchins

Tema: New marine resources for food and feed
Svabergsjøpiggsvin

Echinus esculentus. 

Photo: Erling Svensen / IMR

Sea urchin roe (gonads) is a delicacy traditionally eaten in Asia, Polynesia, and around the Mediterranean. It has also become more common in many other countries, including Norway.

The existing fishery is focused on a few species. One of them, the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), is also common in Norway. Recently, there has also been a start in the sale of the red sea urchin (Echinus esculentus).

The Institute of Marine Research will work to determine if sea urchins are suitable as food in terms of foreign substances and nutritional value.

Published: 09.07.2019 Updated: 30.10.2023

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