Common Sea Urchin
Echinus esculentus
Sighting evidence at Árskógssandur Kelp Forest, Eyjafjörður
Sea urchins form dense grazing aggregations across the sandy and rocky substrate, and their population dynamics directly control the extent of the kelp forest. When urchin populations peak, they can strip bare patches into 'urchin barrens', creating a dynamic mosaic of habitat types. Divers can observe both lush kelp stands and open urchin-dominated clearings on a single dive.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Common Sea Urchin is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.