A Review of the Nutritional Significance of Edible Sea Urchin Gonads: Composition, Variability and Implications for Aquaculture

Edible sea urchins are highly valued for their gonads, which are rich in essential macronutrients—proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates—and vital micronutrients such as vitamins A, E, and C, and trace elements like iron, magnesium, and zinc. Their high nutritional value is recognized globally, offering significant dietary benefits, including antioxidant properties and essential amino acids that contribute to cardiovascular health and disease prevention. The nutritional composition of sea urchin gonads varies widely among species and is influenced by multiple factors, including natural diet, physiological activity, seasonal changes, sex, and environmental conditions. Seasonal variations play a pivotal role, with nutrient accumulation peaking during the fall due to gametogenesis and storage in nutritive phagocytes. Articles reviewed describe nutritive value of sea urchin gonads of protein content ranging from 11.0-13.9g in wet weight, 128.2-192.0mg/g in dry weight, and 9.3-18.8% of total weight; lipid from 6.3-7.3g in wet weight, 135.8-300.6mg/g in dry weight, and 3.1-9.3% of total weight; carbohydrates from 2.1-3.5g in wet weight, 69.9-130.1mg/g in dry weight, and 3.0-6.2% of total weight; and significant levels of vitamins (e.g., vitamin E and A) and trace elements (e.g., Fe, Mg, and Zn). However, the composition of these nutrients varies widely among species and is influenced by factors such as natural diet and physiological activity. Sustainable aquaculture practices, including optimized diet formulations and effective management strategies, are essential for improving sea urchin production and maintaining consistent quality. The integration of these practices, alongside a deeper understanding of the biological and ecological factors influencing nutritive value, is crucial for maximizing their potential as a premium seafood product. Future research should focus on standardizing nutrient evaluation methods and exploring the genomic aspects of sea urchins to enhance aquaculture efficiency and nutritional quality. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of sea urchins in food security and their potential for global dietary and economic applications.