Miguel Enrique Ma. A. Azcuna and Jonel M. Corral
Rationale
The farming of sea cucumbers (Holothuridae) has developed into a commercially important sector of the aquaculture industry in the last decades. An increasing demand for high-quality sea cucumber products has resulted in a decline of wild stock populations. In response to this, aquaculture of these organisms in coastal or land-based set-ups was established to sustain consumer demand. The most common species used in aquaculture are Holothuria scabra and Apostichopus japonicus, but many other species are being cultured to date. Being obligate marine organisms, they are susceptible to changes in water conditions/parameters. There are many gaps in knowledge with reference to the best methods for sea cucumber aquaculture, and this study will address these gaps and bring forth new practices that can be utilized by sea cucumber farmers.
This study will attempt to rear sea cucumbers from the larvae to juvenile stages. A land-based grow-out system for sea cucumber aquaculture will be established at Batangas State University – ARASOF Nasugbu. In addition, this study will assess the effect of different diet formulations on sea cucumber growth. Finally, in an effort to produce high quality dried sea cucumber food products, a post-harvesting method will be established.
Objectives
The objective of this study is to identify the diet formulation that promotes the fastest growth for sea cucumbers and establish a grow-out system for sea cucumber aquaculture from larvae to juvenile to adult stages. It also aims to establish a post-harvest processing method that can produce high quality dried sea cucumber products.
Accomplishments
The project is deferred from February 2021 to December 2021. The equipment were procured last January 2021. The request letter for extension is submitted to Research Office for approval.