The black sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) is a spiny marine invertebrate found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic coasts, prized for its edible roe, which is considered a delicacy in many cuisines. The leading countries involved in black sea urchin harvesting are Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, where traditional and small-scale fisheries target this species, particularly along rocky shorelines and shallow coastal waters. In these countries, sea urchin fishing supports both local economies and export markets, with roe often destined for high-end restaurants. Overfishing and environmental changes have led to stricter regulations and management practices in recent years to ensure the sustainability of black sea urchin populations, especially in Spain and France, which are among the top producers.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.