Culturing Sea Cucumber In Sri lanka
Introduction: The escalating demand for sea cucumber products in Asian markets, particularly in China, has emerged as a lucrative economic opportunity for coastal communities in tropical regions. Traditionally valued as a premium dried delicacy known as beche-de-mer, sea cucumbers face declining wild stocks due to overfishing. This has spurred a growing interest in sea cucumber farming as a means to meet market demand, enhance income stability, and diversify local livelihoods.
Cultivation Methods: Various methods are employed for culturing sea cucumber, including pond farming, pen culture, sea ranching, and tank culture. Stocking larger juveniles in pond farming, pen culture, and sea ranching generally yields higher survival rates, albeit at a higher production cost. Juveniles weighing over 20 g are less susceptible to predators, such as crabs. Once placed in farming environments, excluding tank culture, usually do not require feeding, as they graze on algae and aquatic invertebrates, contributing to improved water conditions. It is essential to maintain stocking densities below 200 g/m² to ensure optimal growth.
Pond Culture: Ponds, often located near the shore to facilitate water exchange, are utilized for sea cucumber culturing. Tidal action brings in fresh seawater, and water flow is controlled through sluice gates. Ponds can be repurposed shrimp or crab ponds or newly constructed earthen ponds with suitable substrates. In tropical regions, pond depths range from 0.8 to 1.5 m, while temperate sea cucumber species require specific conditions such as proximity to the low tide mark, absence of pollution, optimal salinity levels, and pond sizes between 1 to 4 ha. Challenges in pond culture include managing heavy rain during the wet season and dealing with intense heat in the dry season.
Pen Culture: In pen culture, sea cucumbers are either hung in cages under wooden rafts or placed in pens on the seafloor. Pens, constructed from locally available materials, need to be in sheltered areas protected from high-energy waves. Optimal conditions include ensuring continuous water coverage, accessibility during low tides, and placement away from densely populated areas. Circular pens, resistant to currents, are cost-effective, while square pens optimize space. Regular maintenance is essential, including predator removal and cleaning to facilitate water exchange.
Sea Ranching: Sea ranching involves releasing hatchery-produced juveniles into unenclosed marine environments for natural growth and later harvesting. Site selection criteria include location, bio-physical factors, and social and governance considerations. Delimited zones, including a core zone for release and a buffer zone prohibiting fishing, are marked by buoys. While requiring less labor, sea ranching faces challenges like lower stock survival and concerns about undefined property rights leading to poaching.
Conclusion: Sea cucumber farming presents a sustainable solution to declining wild stocks, offering economic opportunities for coastal communities in Sri Lanka. By adopting diverse cultivation methods, communities can contribute to meeting market demand, ensuring income stability, and fostering environmental conservation. The careful implementation of these practices aligns with the broader global effort to promote responsible aquaculture, safeguard marine ecosystems, and secure the livelihoods of those dependent on the bounties of the sea. In navigating the challenges of farming, such as weather fluctuations and regulatory concerns, Sri Lankan coastal communities can embark on a path of resilience and prosperity, cultivating not just sea cucumbers, but sustainable futures.
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Key Aspects of Successful Sea Cucumber Farming