Introduction
The West Coast of the USA, including California, Oregon, and Washington, is one of the most productive regions in the world in terms of marine resources. Marine hydrobiota, such as sea stars and sea urchins, play a crucial role in the ecosystem and economy of the region. This document examines the resource base of these organisms, their harvesting, processing, environmental risks, and potential technologies for comprehensive processing, including carbon dioxide extraction.
Resource Base of Marine Hydrobiota
Sea stars and sea urchins are essential components of marine ecosystems. They regulate the population of other organisms, such as mollusks and algae, and serve as indicators of environmental conditions. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea urchin populations on the West Coast of the USA are stable but are affected by climate change and anthropogenic factors.
Populations of Sea Urchins and Sea Stars on the West Coast of the USA
Species / Region / Population (thousands) / Trends Sea Urchin / California / 500 / Stable Sea Urchin / Oregon / 300 / Declining Sea Urchin / Washington / 200 / Stable Sea Star / California / 1000 / Declining Sea Star / Oregon / 500 / Stable Sea Star / Washington / 300 / Declining
Harvesting and Processing
Sea urchins are mainly harvested for their roe, which is considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the annual harvest volume of sea urchins is approximately 10,000 tons. Sea stars, although not of significant commercial value, are sometimes used in scientific research and for the production of biologically active substances.
Sea Urchin Harvesting Volumes on the West Coast of the USA
Year Harvest / Volume (tons) 2018 / 9,500 2019 / 10,200 2020 / 9,800 2021 / 10,500 2022 / 10,000
Processing Products and Waste
During the processing of sea urchins, the primary product is roe, which accounts for about 10% of the organism’s total weight. The remaining 90% consists of waste, including shells and internal organs. These wastes can be used for animal feed production, fertilizers, or biologically active substances.
Processing Products of Sea Urchins
Product / Share of Total Weight (%) Roe / 10 Shell / 40 Internal Organs / 50
Environmental Risks and Waste Utilization
The disposal of waste from sea urchin processing poses a significant environmental challenge. Traditional disposal methods, such as landfill or incineration, can lead to environmental pollution. An alternative is using waste for biogas or compost production, which reduces environmental risks and promotes sustainable development.
Waste Disposal Costs
Disposal Method / Cost ($/ton) / Environmental Risks Landfill / 50 / High Incineration / 70 / Medium Biogas / 100 / Low Composting / 80 / Low
Carbon Dioxide Extraction Technology
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is a promising technology for the comprehensive processing of marine hydrobiota. This method allows for the extraction of biologically active substances, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), collagen, and chitosan, which can be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry.
Products Obtained Through CO2 Extraction
Product / Application Field PUFAs / Pharmaceuticals Collagen / Cosmetics Chitosan / Food Industry
Economic Impact
Comprehensive processing of marine hydrobiota using CO2 extraction technology can yield significant economic benefits. Estimates suggest that implementing this technology could increase company revenues by 20-30% by producing high-value-added products.
Economic Impact of CO2 Extraction Technology Implementation
Indicator / Without Technology ($) / With Technology ($) / Growth (%) Annual Revenue / 1,000,000 / 1,300,000 / 30 Disposal Costs / 100,000 / 80,000 / -20 Net Profit / 900,000 / 1,220,000 / 35
Conclusion
The resource base of marine hydrobiota on the West Coast of the USA, including sea urchins and sea stars, is of significant economic and ecological interest. The comprehensive processing of these organisms using carbon dioxide extraction technology can not only enhance economic efficiency but also reduce environmental risks, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
References
1. Patent RU2481119C1 2. Biologically Active Substances from Pacific Ocean Marine Hydrobiota 3. Comprehensive Approach to Processing Small-Scale Hydrobiota 4. Study of Marine Hydrobiota 5. Bioactive Substances from Marine Organisms 6. Fundamental Research in Hydrobiota Processing 7. Integrated Approach to Hydrobiota Processing Technologies