Sea urchins are harvested commercially for their gonads (roe). While their sentience is debated, evidence suggests they have nociceptors and respond to noxious stimuli in welfare-relevant ways.
The precautionary principle supports minimizing potential suffering during sea urchin harvest and transport. Rapid cooling and efficient processing reduce potential stress duration. Supporting sustainable fisheries also ensures healthy urchin populations and balanced marine ecosystems, which represent aggregate welfare outcomes for millions of animals.