The purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) is considered to be one of the most important herbivores in the Mediterranean Sea and is a famous culinary delicacy in many countries. As one of the organisms defining the ecological system in the region, it has long been used as a model in developmental biology and as an indicator in the assessment of environmental quality.   

Sea urchins are very sensitive to environmental conditions, especially during early life stages, and they require intensive monitoring and special attention during the production process. The overall status of the sea urchin populations in the Mediterranean Sea is of concern. On a precautionary basis, pending formal stock assessments, sea urchins should be considered in need of conservation due to the impacts of fisheries and climate change, among other factors. Nevertheless, their numbers, spread and impacts are different around the region depending on local conditions and harvesting. For example, in certain areas, sea urchin populations have increased, resulting in seaweed overgrazing and the formation of barrens.