Hundreds Of Illegal Sea Urchins Seized After ERA Catches Suspect Red-Handed

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has revealed that a person was caught red-handed with hundreds of illegally collected sea urchins following an anonymous tip-off.

In a post shared on the official Facebook page of ERA Malta, the authority said officials launched an investigation earlier today after receiving reports that sea urchins were being collected along the coast in the Valletta area.

The activity is prohibited under Malta’s Stony Sea Urchins Protection Regulations.

ERA officials moved quickly and managed to catch the individual allegedly responsible while in possession of several hundred freshly caught sea urchins.

The authority said police assistance was requested and further legal action will now be taken against the person involved.

Sea urchins are protected under Maltese law and their collection is strictly regulated in an effort to safeguard marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

ERA is urging members of the public to continue reporting any suspected illegal collection of sea urchins as soon as it is spotted.

Anyone who witnesses similar activity can contact ERA on 2292 3500.

The authority credited the successful intervention to the anonymous report that helped officials act before even more sea urchins could be taken from the sea.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.