[Handout/Hellenic Coast Guard]
Five people were arrested Monday in northern Greece for illegally fishing more than 16,000 sea urchins that are important members of marine ecosystems but also a traditional Lenten delicacy, authorities said.
A Coast Guard statement said a total 820 kilos of the spiny rock-dwelling creatures were seized in the port of Alexandroupoli following a tip-off, and were quickly dumped back into the water. It was the second such incident in less than a week.
The sea urchins were destined for sale to seafood restaurants, many of which still serve protected marine creatures such as the noble pinna or date mussel molluscs. While sea urchins are not protected, there are strict limitations on catch sizes and fishing seasons.
The Coast Guard said the suspects aged 22-40, who lacked fishing permits, faced prosecution for breaches of fishing and environmental protection laws, as well as fines. The sea urchins were found in 25 large sacks in a trailer towed by a vehicle in the port. Many were below the minimum size permitted to be caught.
Greek law only allows the collection of sea urchins by licensed fishers during daylight hours in January, February, March, July, August and December. An amateur license allows the fishing of up to 30 urchins per day for strictly personal use and a professional license up to 600.
The creatures play a key role in keeping seas clean by eating algae, thus preventing their overgrowth, and serve as a food source for other forms of marine life.