Mass mortality of the invasive alien echinoid Diadema setosum (Echinoidea: Diadematidae) in the Mediterranean Sea

The sea urchin Diadema setosum is an ecological key species across its range, particularly on coral reefs. In 2006 D. setosum was first observed in the Mediterranean Sea, and since, it has proliferated to occupy the entire Levantine Basin. Here we report the mass mortality of the invasive D. setosum in the Mediterranean Sea. This is the first report of D. setosum mass mortality. The mortality spans over 1000 km along the Levantine coast of Greece and Turkey. The current mortality shows similar pathologies to previously reported Diadema mass mortality events, suggesting pathogenic infection as the cause of mortalities. Maritime transport, local currents, and fish predation of infected individuals may distribute pathogens at varying geographical scales. Due to the proximity of the Levantine Basin to the Red Sea, the risk of pathogen transport to the native Red Sea D. setosum population is imminent-with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Automated summary

The sea urchin Diadema setosum, an ecological key species, has proliferated in the Mediterranean Sea after its first observation in 2006. However, a recent mass mortality event of this invasive species along the Levantine coast of Greece and Turkey has been reported, suggesting pathogenic infection as the cause. Pathogens may be distributed through maritime transport, local currents, and fish predation, posing a potential risk to the native Red Sea population of D. setosum.