How to Snorkel for Sea Urchins

Don't prick your tongue on that sea urchin! Well, you are going to eat it, right? Several sea urchin species are edible--boasting a high nutrient content and a reputation as a natural aphrodisiac! So what's stopping you? Learn to snorkel for your own edible sea urchins, and reap the benefits. Just watch out for those spines!

Things You'll Need

• Diving mask, snorkel and fins
• Dive flag(s)
• 3- to 4-gallon tough mesh bag or net
• Wetsuit (optional)
• Screwdriver (optional)
• Weight belt (optional)

Instructions

1. Contact your state wildlife agency to find out if there are edible sea urchins in your area. Several edible species are found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

2. Ask wildlife officials about recreational sea urchin harvesting regulations, including harvesting season, required licenses or permits, sea urchin size limit, daily catch limit, and legal harvesting sites and techniques. Also check for any current shellfish warnings.

3. Head out to your chosen sea urchin haven, and get ready to swim! Attach a dive flag to each diver or anchor a large dive flag in the general diving area, according to local regulations and specifications.

4. Attach the net or mesh bag to your waste using a rope or belt, and make sure you can ditch it easily if you need.

5. Put on a wetsuit if you're going to be in cold water--or simply to protect your body from rocks or those pesky sea urchin spines.

6. Strap on your mask, snorkel and fins, and get in the water! Time to find those edible sea urchin aphrodisiacs! You might want to wait until you're in the water to put on the fins; otherwise, be careful walking, and consider shuffling in backwards until you can swim.

7. Swim out to the chosen spot--with your dive buddy! Together, check out the area, searching for edible sea urchins and noting any possible hazards such as rocks or currents. Designate a landmark on the beach to make sure you don't drift off too far.

8. Check your dive flag(s) and get ready to dive! Gently float on the surface face-down, trying to relax and slow your breathing. Keep your eyes on those prized sea urchins down below and remain as still as possible.

9. Take a deep breath when you're ready, and plunge your head down towards the sea urchins below. Lift your feet up to where your head was and gently kick with your fins as you sink vertically to the seafloor, but let your weight do most of the work for you.

10. Equalize your ear pressure as you sink by holding your nose and mouth shut and gently blowing. Do not let any air escape; allow it to build pressure on the inside of your ears to counteract the increasing water pressure as you go deeper.

11. Use your hand or metal tool to pry the appropriate-sized sea urchins from the rocks. Make sure they are of the edible variety, drop them into your net and return to the surface for air as needed. Repeat dives until you reach your personal or legal limit.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves, if you like, to avoid getting any spiny finger pricks. Also, use a metal tool--such as a screwdriver--to help pry stubborn sea urchins free.

• Wear a weight belt if you have trouble sinking without a lot of extra effort. You want to save your energy--and oxygen--for gathering sea urchins, not fighting to get to them. Be careful not to make it too heavy, though, and be able to ditch it in an instant. Consult a dive shop for proper weighting.

• Stay alert! Keep your eyes on the weather and your surroundings, and never turn your back on the sea! Be prepared for incoming waves and take note of your underwater neighbors. Sea urchins frequent rocky areas, which can be dangerous in rough water. If you feel uncomfortable, leave the water immediately.