Thank you for visiting the Seafood Selector. We are currently performing a website update, and we are in the process of refreshing our ratings. Please come back soon!

Sea urchin

Sushi name(s): Uni
Sea urchin

Red sea urchin, © Amadeo Bachar

At a glance

Eco-rating Mercury Omega-3s
+-Sea urchin (Canada)
Best
Unknown

MORE ABOUT SEA URCHIN

Red sea urchins, one of the largest members of the urchin family, can grow up to 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter (including spines). They range in color from a bright red to a dark burgundy.

Green sea urchins have spines that are shorter and thinner than those of the red sea urchin. Green sea urchin can grow to about 3 inches (80 mm), although they usually smaller.

Commercial Sources

Red sea urchins are found in the Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Alaska. Green sea urchins occur in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with their range extending into the Arctic.

The main sources for sea urchins are British Columbia and New Brunswick in Canada and in the U.S., California and Maine. Most sea urchin roe is exported to Japan where it is used as an ingredient in sushi.

Capture Methods

Sea urchins come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught by hand, with hand racks or lightweight draggers.
+-Sea urchin (CA)
OK
Unknown

MORE ABOUT SEA URCHIN

Red sea urchins, one of the largest members of the urchin family, can grow up to 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter (including spines). They range in color from a bright red to a dark burgundy.

Green sea urchins have spines that are shorter and thinner than those of the red sea urchin. Green sea urchin can grow to about 3 inches (80 mm), although they usually smaller.

Commercial Sources

Red sea urchins are found in the Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Alaska. Green sea urchins occur in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with their range extending into the Arctic.

The main sources for sea urchins are British Columbia and New Brunswick in Canada and in the U.S., California and Maine. Most sea urchin roe is exported to Japan where it is used as an ingredient in sushi.

Capture Methods

Sea urchins come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught by hand, with hand racks or lightweight draggers.
+-Sea urchin (ME)
Worst
Unknown

MORE ABOUT SEA URCHIN

Red sea urchins, one of the largest members of the urchin family, can grow up to 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter (including spines). They range in color from a bright red to a dark burgundy.

Green sea urchins have spines that are shorter and thinner than those of the red sea urchin. Green sea urchin can grow to about 3 inches (80 mm), although they usually smaller.

Commercial Sources

Red sea urchins are found in the Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Alaska. Green sea urchins occur in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with their range extending into the Arctic.

The main sources for sea urchins are British Columbia and New Brunswick in Canada and in the U.S., California and Maine. Most sea urchin roe is exported to Japan where it is used as an ingredient in sushi.

Capture Methods

Sea urchins come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught by hand, with hand racks or lightweight draggers.

These ratings are provided in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, © 1999-2018 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation

Recommended servings per month

Contaminant Men Women Kids 6-12 Kids 0-5
Sea urchin (CA) Unknown 4 4 4 4
Sea urchin (Canada) Unknown 4 4 4 4
Sea urchin (ME) Unknown 4 4 4 4

This chart shows how much can safely be eaten each MONTH (assuming no other contaminated fish is consumed). The advice is based on EPA guidance and the latest mercury data. More on contaminants »

Eco details: 

Sea urchins are primarily harvested for their roe (uni), which is bright orange. Most sea urchin roe is exported to Japan where it is used as an ingredient in sushi.