Curryfish (Stichopus herrmanni) Case Study
Home > Biodiversity Nature & People > Conservation Philanthropy > Grants > MBZF Grant 13257518
Continent: Oceania
Country: Australia
Grant Amount: $6,000
Awarded Date: February 12, 2014
Tropical sea cucumbers are harvested for the "bêche-de-mer" product (dried body wall). Due to the severe lack of knowledge on the biology and ecology of many sea cucumbers, they are in a perilous state of conservation. Populations are rapidly declining worldwide, with over 70% of tropical sea cucumber fisheries deemed exploited and depleted. We wish to better understand their population dynamics and ecosystem function.
Through the comparison of BDM populations in and out of marine park areas, this study of the biology and ecology of listed (IUCN) sea cucumber species, the major objectives are to: 1. Determine the ecological role of sea cucumbers of coral reefs. 2. Determine the impact of removal of sea cucumbers on reef health. 3. Determine larval and adult growth rates of commercial species. 4. Characterise the spawning cycle as a means to identify suitable fishing closures. 5. Examine the effects of ocean warming and acidification on sea cucumber populations for the first time. 6. Provide crucial information for the establishment of sustainable fisheries practices.
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