Bioecology study of Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) in the northern coastal area of Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Holothuroidea is one of the marine biotas with crucial economic value in Asia and is usually served fresh or dried in various cuisines. Although it has significant market demand, the potential of sea cucumbers in the northern part of Timor Island has yet to be investigated. This study was carried out to understand existing bioecological conditions and investigate the location’s suitability to support the development of sea cucumber farming in this area. The method employed in the bioecology study followed a line transect and quadrants perpendicular to the beach. Various water quality measurements were applied to quantify the location suitability index. The results observed four species in the Poanboun coastal area: Holothuria leucospilota, H. hilla, Bohadschia argus, and H. atra (the order indicates the highest to lowest density and abundance). The substrate types in the area were a combination of sandy, muddy sand, coral fragments, and surrounded sea grapes macroalgae. The region has a high location suitability index where secluded area, water depth and bed, temperature, salinity, pH, DO, and wave conditions are prime indicators to support the suitability, followed by water clarity and current as secondary (quite supportive indicators).