Ecosystem in Peril: The Sharp Drop in Sea Cucumber Numbers Sparks Concern

The rapid decline of the sea cucumber population, commonly known as “bambara”, is raising alarm bells among ecologists and marine scientists. These remarkable creatures play a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans.

As filter feeders, sea cucumbers consume organic matter, fish waste, and carcasses, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Their presence is crucial for the balance of lagoons and the overall biodiversity of marine environments, according Nadeem Nazurally, an Associate Professor in Ocean Sciences and Aquaculture at the University of Mauritius.

Nazurally confirms that while some sea cucumbers can still be found in protected areas, their numbers are noticeably diminishing.

“For instance, in the coral nursery we maintain at Pointe-aux-Feuilles, we can sometimes find five to six on a 10 square meter patch,” he notes.

The academic identifies several factors driving this decline. The primary culprit is overfishing, often aggravated by illegal practices aimed at supplying some restaurants. Environmental degradation also poses a significant threat; pollution, increased organic load in the water, and sediment accumulation, particularly after heavy rains, directly impact these essential filter feeders.

Ban on Sea Cucumbers

In light of this crisis, the Ministry of Fisheries enforced a collection ban on sea cucumbers in 2010 for a two-year period, later extended to 2016. In December 2023, a new moratorium was announced, lasting from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2029.

This suspension aims to allow sea cucumbers to reproduce and grow until they reach sexual maturity. Currently, only semi-industrial fishing vessels are permitted to harvest sea cucumbers, and collection around Mauritius is restricted to areas beyond 15 nautical miles, up from the previous 12-mile limit.

Fabrice David, Junior Minister for Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, recently emphasised that this ban would remain in place until the end of 2029. He explained that years of overexploitation have led nearly to the disappearance of sea cucumbers from local waters.

To safeguard these marine resources and ensure the sustainability of Mauritius’s marine ecosystem, the government has initiated a sea cucumber farming project in collaboration with the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in 2022 for research and training, with hatchery activities set to begin this year. The Australian government has pledged Rs 12.1 million to fund the production of sea cucumber seeds from August 2024 to July 2026.

On February 21, a visit was conducted to the Albion Fisheries Research Centre to assess the project’s progress. Its aim is to recreate natural conditions in a controlled environment to repopulate the Mauritian lagoon.

“The project focuses on cultivating sea cucumbers in the lab before reintroducing them to their natural habitat,” explained Fabrice David, who believes this initiative will not only help restore the sea cucumber population and ecological balance but also promote sustainable aquaculture in Mauritius.

Katie Lalor, the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted that Australia’s support for this initiative showcases its commitment to environmental restoration and economic development in the region.

Sea cucumbers are in high demand, especially in Asia, but not all species are suitable for consumption. The species Holothuria scabra is particularly sought after, yet it is also one of the rarest. Nadeem Nazurally argues that aquaculture is the best solution to meet demand while preserving this species and the marine ecosystem.

Furthermore, a statement released on January 31 by the Mauritius/Seychelles Joint Commission of Extended Continental Shelf invites qualified operators to submit proposals for the sustainable harvesting of sea cucumbers within the Joint Management Area (JMA) for an initial one-year period. The joint commission has established a strict regulatory framework that all selected operators must adhere to.

Since 2011, Mauritius and Seychelles have jointly managed the resources of the JMA, including sea cucumbers. This current initiative aims to assess the distribution and stocks in this area while encouraging collaboration between operators from both countries, particularly through joint ventures and local landing agreements.

Source: l’Express