Holothuria Scabra Research Articles

The first attempts made towards the domestication of sea cucumbers in Kenya

The potential for culture of sandfish Holothuria scabra in Kenya was investigated based on a sample of 1000 wild individuals with an average weight of 40-80 g. This experiment was conducted to identify suitable methods of collection, transportation, acclimatization, and growth at different stocking densities. Packing methods tested during collection were oxygen filled plastic bags and open basins. For method 1, Sample 1 sandfishes were carried individually in oxygen filled plastic bags with sea water. Sample 2 included a total of five sandfishes per bag, and Sample 3 had a maximum of ten sandfishes. Under method 2 specimens were transported using open basins containing sand and aerated sea water in densities of 10, 20 and 30 individuals per basin. The mean (±SD) percentage evisceration rate during transportation in method 1 was 0 for a density of 1, 3.33 ± 5.77 % for a density of 5, and 20 ± 10 % for a density of 10. In method 2 evisceration occurred at all the three densities; 23.3 ± 15.28 % for the low density, 23.33 ± 2.8 % for the middle density and 36.6 ± 3.33 % for the higher density. The findings of this study provide information to contribute to the development of marine aquaculture of sea cucumber in Kenya.

Study of Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Sandfish Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra)

The overfishing of the sandfish Holothuria scabra is increasing due to its various benefits, thus reducing its population in nature. This study aimed to examine sandfish's length-weight relationship and condition factors on the North Coast of Sumbawa Island, with sampling locations at two stations, Ai Limung (Pungkit Village), and Labu Prajak (Batu Bangka Village). The study was conducted in September-October 2022. A total of 142 specimens were obtained from both stations, 122 samples at Ai Limung station (mean length 9.22±2.12 cm; weight 43.34±25.07 grams). Then 20 samples at the Labu Prajak station (mean length 13.69±3.74 cm; weight 88.70±60.06 grams). Growth patterns of each research station are negative allometric, indicating the body length of the sandfish grows faster than its weight. Condition factor at Ai Limung station Kn=1.03±0.26, Wr=1.03±0.26, K=5.33±1.76, and at the Labu Prajak station Kn=1.05±0.28, Wr=104.88±27.83, K=3.27±1.14. The results showed significant differences in length, weight, and fulton condition factor. The mean body length and weight of sandfish at both stations are smaller than previous study, indicating the earlier sign of overfishing. Meanwhile, the fulton condition factor at Ai Limung station showed a higher value, which indicated the location was better, with abundant food sources and fewer predators

DIVERSITAS TERIPANG (HOLOTHUROIDEA) DI ZONA INTERTIDAL PANTAI MARINA WAKATOBI

The presence of sea cucumbers does not attract much attention, but their presence greatly influences the richness of marine biota and the diversity of biota species in the waters. Live in groups or spread out and are widely found in waters with a substrate of sand, coral sand, or sand mixed with mud. The substrate for Marina beach waters is sand, sand dominated by sea grass, sand with a little Acropora type coral, and sand mixed with mud and stones. Such conditions allow the growth and development of sea cucumbers. This study aims to determine the diversity of sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) in the intertidal zone of Marina Wakatobi beach. This type of research is an experiment with cruise methods covering an area of ​​+ 500m2 in the intertidal zone of Marina Wakatobi beach. The types of sea cucumbers found were Synapta maculata, Holothuria scabra, Holothuria atra, Actinopyga echinites, Bohadschia marmorata, Holothurian hilla. Holothuria scabra is a type of sea cucumber that has a high distribution.

A Distinct Saponin Profile Drives an Olfactory-Mediated Aggregation in the Aquacultivated Sea Cucumber Holothuria scabra

Intraspecific chemical communication between echinoderms has often been limited to prespawning aggregation. However, sea cucumber farmers have long observed year-round adult aggregation as a potential source of disease propagation and the suboptimal use of available sea pen acreage and food resources. In this study, through spatial distribution statistics, we demonstrated the significant aggregation of the aquacultivated sea cucumber Holothuria scabra both as adults in large sea-based pens and as juveniles in laboratory-based aquaria, proving that aggregation in these animals is not only observed during spawning. The role of chemical communication in aggregation was investigated using olfactory experimental assays. Our study established that the sediment that H. scabra feeds on as well as the water preconditioned by conspecifics induced positive chemotaxis in juvenile individuals. More specifically, through comparative mass spectrometry, a distinct triterpenoid saponin profile/mixture was identified to be a pheromone allowing sea cucumber intraspecific recognition and aggregation. This "attractive" profile was characterized as containing disaccharide saponins. This "attractive" aggregation-inducing saponin profile was, however, not conserved in starved individuals that were no longer attractive to other conspecifics. In summary, this study sheds new light on the pheromones in echinoderms. It highlights the complexity of the chemical signals detected by sea cucumbers and suggests a role of saponins well beyond that of a simple toxin.

Census of potential predators and competitors of sandfish, Holothuria scabra, juveniles during floating hapa ocean nursery culture

AbstractPredation and competition are among the most important factors affecting sandfish, Holothuria scabra, growth and survival in ocean‐based production systems. In this study, the potential predators and competitors of sandfish juveniles reared at two sites in the Philippines using the floating hapa ocean nursery system were assessed. A total of 26 species of potential predators and competitors from 16 different families of fishes, molluscs and crustaceans were recorded. These taxa were dominated by the opisthobranch Stylocheilus striatus at Bolinao (north–west Luzon) and the isopod Cymodoce sp. at Maliwaliw (eastern Visayas). Highest number of potential predators and competitors that recruited and/or migrated to the inside of floating hapa nets was recorded on day 23 at Bolinao and day 30 at Maliwaliw, then decreased over the 69‐day duration of the study. Mean length, absolute growth rates (AGRs) and survival of sandfish juveniles reared in floating hapas at the two sites varied during the study. AGRs were highest at 1.17 ± 0.06 mm day−1 at Bolinao, and 1 ± 0.08 mm day−1 at Maliwaliw, by days 23 and 60, respectively. Mean lengths of sandfish juveniles reared at Bolinao and Maliwaliw by the end of the study were 46.7 ± 0.15 and 58.8 ± 2.4 mm, respectively, and survival at both sites was high at 96% by the end of the study. Negative correlations were observed between the number of individual predators and competitors, and survival and growth rates of sandfish juveniles reared at Bolinao and Maliwaliw, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of predator and competitor management measures and appropriate site selection to optimize growth performance and survival of sandfish juveniles reared in ocean‐based culture production systems.

Can commercially available mosquito nets be used for rearing sandfish (Holothuria scabra) juveniles in floating ocean nursery?

This study investigates the potential of locally available mosquito nets as an alternative material for sandfish ocean nurseries. Mosquito nets (~ 2 mm mesh) were designed into single (SL), double (DL), and triple-layered (TL) to approximate the conventional hapa (CH) with ~ 1 mm mesh normally used in sandfish ocean nurseries. The study was conducted in Maliwaliw island and in a cove in Buyayawon both located in Eastern Samar, Philippines. Results showed that TL had the highest juvenile survival (35.93 ± 10.56%) in Maliwaliw, which was significantly different (p < 0.05) from SL and DL. The DL design showed the highest survival (25.23 ± 17.15%) in Buyayawon by day 60, followed by TL (21.37 ± 3.11%), although not statistically significant. On the other hand, average growth rate was highest in SL in both sites where survival was also the lowest. Biomass, however, was the highest in DL in Buyayawon (1,014 ± 266 g m-2) followed by TL in Maliwaliw (925 ± 107 g m-2). Sandfish juvenile survival in DL and TL were higher than those in the CH in both sites suggesting that mosquito nets can indeed be used as an alternative material for rearing early-stage sandfish juveniles in floating ocean nurseries.

Holothuria scabra Jaegar 1833 (Sandfish) extracts and collagens modulate protein‐bound Nε‐carboxymethyllysine, Nε‐carboxyethyllysine and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 levels

SummaryIn this study, sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra; Jaegar 1833) extracts and collagens were evaluated for inhibitory properties of protein‐bound advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Processed dried sea cucumber with salt extract showed a significant lower IC50 value for fluorescent AGEs (9.19 ± 7.68 μg mL−1, P < 0.05) and fructosamine (503.47 ± 46.37 μg mL−1, P < 0.05), respectively. Processed dried with and without salt extracts significantly reduced the Nε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 (MG‐H1) levels tested at 250 μg mL−1. Smoked dried and fresh‐dried extracts significantly reduced the Nε‐carboxyethyllysine (CEL) levels tested at 250 μg mL−1. Pepsin‐solubilised collagen and the crude collagen fibrils significantly reduced CML and MG‐H1 levels whereas CEL levels were unchanged. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that protein‐bound AGE and CML inhibition significantly correlated with the total phenolic and antioxidant activities, respectively. This study provides a strong rationale for further investigation aimed at identifying the active compounds responsible for the observed effects on biomarkers relevant to diabetes.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Sand Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra) Extracts using Wet Rendering Extraction Method

Antioxidant and anticancer activities of sand sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (dried and fresh) extracts were studied. The highest extraction yield of sea cucumber H. scabra (3.9%) was obtained using dried H. scabra at 60oC. The highest antioxidant activity was found in fresh H. scabra extract at 60°C with an IC50 value of 629.89 ± 0.15 µg/mL using the ABTS method, and the highest antioxidant activity by DPPH method was found in dried H. scabra extract at 70°C with an IC50 value of 32017.18 ± 0.82 µg/mL. The best antioxidant activity based on FRAP and TBARS methods was found in fresh H. scabra extracts at 80°C, respectively. The highest total phenol and flavonoid contained in dried H. scabra extract were 317.54 ± 8.91 mg GAE/100 g sample and 247.56 ± 11.70 mg QE/100 g sample. H. scabra extracts inhibited more than 50% of the growth of the MDA-MB-231 cell line at concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/mL except for dried H. scabra extracts at 80°C. Similarly, the extracts showed the highest cytotoxic effect up to 100% at the highest concentration (100 μg/mL) except for dried H. scabra extracts at 70°C and 80°C.

The presence and distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid and dopamine during the developmental stages of the sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra, with emphasis on settlement organs.

In the sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra, the competent larvae require main settlement organs (SOs), including the ciliary bands (CiBs), tentacles (Ts), podia (PDs), and cues from neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine (DA), for successful settlement. In the present study, we investigated the spatial distribution of GABA and DA in the developmental stages of H. scabra, with special emphasis on SOs by detecting immunoreactivity (-ir) against these two neurotransmitters. Strong GABA-ir and DA-ir cells and fibers were specifically detected in several SO structures, including CiBs, CiB cells (CiBCs), and long cilia (LCi), of H. scabra larvae. Additionally, we found intense GABA-ir and DA-ir cells in the epithelial lining of bud-papillae (BP) and mesothelium (Me) in the stem (S) region of Ts in larvae and juveniles. Intense GABA-ir and DA-ir were observed in the epineural nerve plexus (ENP) and hyponeural nerve plexus (HNP) of Ts in H. scabra pentactula and juvenile stages. Staining for these two neurotransmitters was particularly intense in the PDs and their nerve fibers. We also found significant changes in the numbers of GABA-ir and DA-ir-positive cells and intensities in the CiBs, Ts, and PDs during the developmental stages. Taken together, we are the first to report on the existence and distribution of GABAergic and dopaminergic systems in structures associated with the settlement. Our findings provide new and important insights into the possible functions of these two neurotransmitters in regulating the settlement of this sea cucumber species.

Artificial rearing of Actinopyga lecanora (Holothuroidea: Holothuriida) with spawning induction using relaxin: Lecithotrophic short larval period

Artificial rearing techniques of larvae and juveniles of the tropical sea cucumber, Actinopyga lecanora were developed for the first time. Broodstock individuals were collected in Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, subtropical Japan and sorted by the gonad maturity which was determined by biopsy. An artificially-synthesized relaxin peptide, originated from Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra, was injected into the coelomic fluid of mature A. lecanora at amounts of 3 × 10−9 to 10 × 10−9 mol kg−1 body weight, which successfully induced spawning in 10 of 14 females and 3 of 3 males after 26–70 min. The number of eggs spawned per one female individual ranged 2.2–9.5 × 105. The mean diameter of oocytes of A. lecanora individuals which spawned by the induction was 324 ± 13 μm, much larger than those of sea cucumber species having a planktotrophic larval stage. The embryo hatched during gastrula, and the larva metamorphosed to planktonic auricularia followed by doliolaria and finally settled into the benthic stage as pentactula. Time after fertilization to settlement was 4–8 days when larvae were reared in 5–500 L tanks at 26–28 °C, which is one of the shortest development periods among sea cucumbers. Although larvae were supplied with Chaetoceros gracilis cells in most rearing batches, the larvae were later confirmed as lecithotrophic (non-feeding) as (1) larvae were successfully reared until settlement without feeding, and (2) chlorophyll a fluorescence of C. gracilis was not incorporated into the larval intestine as observed under fluorescence microscopy. Auricularia larvae showed poor development of lateral arm protrusion and did not form hyaline spheres. Initial rearing densities under 0.4 larva mL−1 resulted in relatively good survival. Settling larvae were retrieved using polycarbonate corrugated sheets on which periphytic diatoms had been grown beforehand. Survival from hatching to 2 months after settlement was 1.0–1.8%, comparable with values reported for other sea cucumbers. Postsettled juveniles became orange-colored with black dorsal papillae in 50 days after settlement and subsequently gradually obtained a dark green-brown dorsal pigment. Juveniles having anal teeth and adult-like color pattern appeared from 4 months after settlement. Growth of the settled juveniles was 91.8 ± 1.5 μm day−1 from Jun to Dec, reaching 15.11 ± 5.63 mm long in 170 days, while the juveniles negatively grew during winter from Dec to Feb. The lecithotrophic short larval period of A. lecanora has potential for low-cost seed production, which is advantageous for development of aquaculture and restocking.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra) Active Compounds against KEAP1 and iNOS Protein.

Oxidative stress and inflammation have a role in the development of various diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with many proteins, including Kelch ECH associating protein 1 (KEAP1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins. The active compounds contained in Holothuria scabra have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of sea cucumber's active compounds by targeting KEAP1 and iNOS proteins. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity of H. scabra extract were measured spectrophotometrically. The 3-dimensional (3D) structures of sea cucumber's active compounds and proteins were obtained from the PubChem and Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) databases. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina software. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using Yet Another Scientific Artificial Reality Application (YASARA) software with environmental parameters according to the cell's physiological conditions. The membrane permeability test was performed using the PerMM web server. The methanol extract of H. scabra had a weak antioxidant activity against DPPH and strong activity against NO radical. Scabraside and holothurinoside G had the most negative binding affinity values when interacting with the active site of KEAP1 and iNOS proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations also showed that both compounds were stable when interacting with KEAP1 and iNOS. However, scabraside and holothurinoside G were difficult to penetrate the cell plasma membrane, which is seen from the high energy transfer value in the lipid acyl chain region of phospholipids. Scabraside and holothurinoside G are predicted to act as antioxidants and anti-inflammations, but in their implementation to in vitro and in vivo study, it is necessary to have liposomes or nanoparticles, or other delivery methods to help these 2 compounds enter the cell.

Size-dependent predation on juvenile sandfish, Holothuria scabra by seagrass-associated crabs

Abstract High mortality of juvenile Holothuria scabra in seagrass nursery areas has been attributed to predation. In this study, laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of the size of two seagrass–associated crabs, Thalamita crenata and Dardanus megistos, on the survival of juvenile sandfish at different sizes (1–10 g). Small juvenile sandfish (1–2 g) offered in field trials were more preferred by small Thalamita and large Dardanus. Non-lethal damage caused by both crabs were also evident, indicating differences in the mode of attack and consumption. The incidence of non-lethal wounds in medium and large juveniles in the laboratory indicate higher incidences of unsuccessful attacks by the crabs. Differences in consumption rate may be related to cheliped morphology and handling techniques, and activity patterns affecting encounter rates. Mortality rates of juvenile sandfish due to T. crenata (CW: 4.30–7.05 cm) ranged from 10–43%, while those by D. megistos (SL: 0.90–2.3 cm) was even higher at 34–53% after 24 h trials. This is the first report that a hermit crab D. megistos is a significant predator of juvenile sandfish. Results provide new insights on crab–soft-bodied prey interactions in tropical seagrass areas. These are also important considerations in stock restoration and ocean-based culture. Given that juveniles (≤10 g) are very vulnerable to predation by these common crab species, growing sandfish to larger sizes is essential prior to release in the field.

Polyculture of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) and milkfish (Chanos chanos) in controlled tanks

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) and sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) are fishery commodities that can grow well in ponds. The commodities have different feeding habits. Polyculture trials in controlled tanks are possible. This study aimed to determine the growth and survival of sea cucumbers reared in polyculture in tanks and to know whether sea cucumbers can use milkfish feces as feed. This study used 12 PE tanks of 500 L to ascertain that no other food sources were available in the tanks. The initial size of sea cucumber seeds was 3.4 – 5.4 cm and milkfish 19.0 – 22.5 cm. The treatments designed were (A) monoculture of sea cucumber (28.6 g/m2), (B) polyculture of sea cucumbers (28.6 g/m2) and milkfish (0.28 g/L), (C) polyculture of sea cucumbers (28.6 g/m2) and milkfish (0.56 g/L), and (D) monoculture of milkfish (0.56 g/L). Results showed that both monoculture and polyculture of sea cucumbers and milkfish resulted in high survival rates (100%). Although the polyculture of sea cucumbers showed no significant difference in growth, polyculture with milkfish (C) tended to have a higher final weight of sea cucumbers than the other treatments. Sea cucumbers could utilize milkfish feces and increase the growth of sea cucumbers.

Morpho-functional Characterisation of Cœlomocytes in the Aquacultivated Sea Cucumber Holothuria Scabra: From Cell Diversity to Transcriptomic Immune Response

Morpho-functional Characterisation of Cœlomocytes in the Aquacultivated Sea Cucumber Holothuria Scabra: From Cell Diversity to Transcriptomic Immune Response

Immersion in sea cucumber’s steroid extract to increase male production of juvenile freshwater crayfish

One of the ways to increase the production for aquaculture is through the cultivation of monosexuals by ensuring genital reversal from which energy for reproduction is diverted towards growth. Masculinization has been identified as one of the most prominent techniques, where sex development was directed from female to male. This approach only altered the phenotype and not the genotype. The red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) was a relatively new commercial commodity, and the males were known to grow faster than females. Hence, it was proposed to use monocultures comprising an all-male population to increase yield using steroid hormone, synthetic 17α-methyltestosterone. However, this technique generated residues that detrimentally affect human health, the environment, and cultivated organisms. Therefore, finding new safe natural steroid sources was essential, and one of which is exploring of natural hormones extracted from the viscera of sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra Jaeger). This study focused on the determination of male formation and testosterone levels among juvenile crayfish, after immersing in sea cucumber steroid extract (SCSE). A completely random design with factorial was used with two variables, encompassing the varied doses (0, 2, 4 mg/L, 2 mg/L 17α-methyl testosterone as control group) and immersion times of 18 and 30 h. The result showed the dose-dependent ability of SCSE increase the male genital formation and promote the testosterone level of juvenile crayfish. In addition, the testosterone was influenced by dose and immersion duration time, with the highest level of testosterone observed in treatments of 4 mg/L SCSE with 30 h immersion was 0.248 ng/mL, while the male percentage was 77%. In conclusion, the combination of dose and immersion time significantly affected growth and testosterone levels.

Holothuria scabra extracts confer neuroprotective effect in C.elegans model of Alzheimer's disease by attenuating amyloid-β aggregation and toxicity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common aged-related neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with the toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation in the brain. While the efficacies of available drugs against AD are still limited, natural products have been shown to possess neuroprotective potential for prevention and therapy of AD. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of H.scabra extracts against Aβ aggregation and proteotoxicity in C.elegans model of Alzheimer's diseases. Whole bodies (WB) and body wall (BW) of H.scabra were extracted and fractionated into ethyl acetate (WBEA, BWEA), butanol (WBBU, BWBU), and ethanol (BWET). Then C.elegans AD models were treated with these fractions and investigated for Aβ aggregation and polymerization, biochemical and behavioral changes, and level of oxidative stress, as well as lifespan extension. C.elegans AD model treated with H.scabra extracts, especially triterpene glycoside-rich ethyl acetate and butanol fractions, exhibited significant reduction of Aβ deposition. These H.scabra extracts also attenuated the paralysis behavior and improved the neurological defects in chemotaxis caused by Aβ aggregation. Immunoblot analysis revealed decreased level of Aβ oligomeric forms and the increased level of Aβ monomers after treatments with H.scabra extracts. In addition, H.scabra extracts reduced reactive oxygen species and increased the mean lifespan of the treated AD worms. In conclusion, this study demonstrated strong evidence of anti-Alzheimer effects by H.scabra extracts, implying that these extracts can potentially be applied as natural preventive and therapeutic agents for AD. Alzheimer's disease, Neurodegenerative disorder, Traditional medicine, Experimental model systems, Molecular biology.

Assessing Productivity and Economic Potential of Pond-Based Culture of Sandfish (Holothuria scabra) and Babylon Snail (Babylonia areolata) in Monoculture and Four Different Coculture Arrangements

The aim of this study was to create an economic decision-making tool to allow farmers and stakeholders to make informed decisions around costs, benefits, and risks involved in production of sandfish, Holothuria scabra, and Babylon snail, Babylonia areolata, in different coculture arrangements based on a sound economic framework. A small-scale (0.16 ha) farm operation in Vietnam was modelled using production data obtained in previous studies to represent the costs and returns of rearing sandfish in tank-based nursery systems and in pond-based coculture grow-out systems. Sandfish and Babylonia monoculture was compared with three coculture models where the two species were separated, and the amount of pond area allocated to each ranged from 25% to 75%. A fourth coculture model (Co-4; “comingled”) was assessed where the two species were not separated and shared 100% of the substrate. The sandfish monoculture system produced 487 kg of sandfish at an annual cost of USD 5,616, providing an annual return of USD –3,521. The largest annual cost associated with sandfish monoculture was labor (USD 8.04 per kg). Pond monoculture of Babylon snail returned USD 1,876 annually, with an annual production cost of USD 19,858. Feeding represented the largest production cost associated with Babylonia monoculture of USD 14,340 per annum, or USD 5.11 per kg. Sandfish monoculture and Babylonia monoculture returned benefit–cost ratios of 0.37 and 1.09, respectively. The coculture model with pond area divided 50:50 between sandfish and Babylonia during grow-out, produced 258 kg of sandfish and 2,584 kg of Babylonia over a 359-day production cycle. This equates to USD 1,108 and USD 20,001 annual production of sandfish and Babylonia, respectively. After production costs, this model provided a return of USD 2,309 annually at a benefit–cost ratio of 1.12. The comingled culture model, Co-4, provided the greatest annual return of USD 6,019 and a benefit–cost ratio of 1.24. Results of this study build on previous research into practical aspects of sandfish/Babylonia coculture and provide a more complete picture of the potential application of this research to improve livelihoods and income of small-scale farmers in Vietnam.

Yield and product quality of processed sandfish (Holothuria scabra) using different processing techniques

Four different techniques in processing sandfish: a) MB-method described by Brown et al. (2010), b) MN- from NFRDI, per Pardua et al. (2018), and two variations of method from Purcell (2014), c) MP1, and d) MP2 which were slightly modified and tried to compare resulting product quality and yield from freshly gutted sandfish. This demonstration was to encourage sandfish ranch managers to add value to their sandfish and ensure better earnings. Twenty-four sandfish individuals (350 to 870 g) harvested from the sea ranch site at Maliwaliw Island were used for processing at six individuals per technique. Results show that live sandfish weight was reduced to 45% after gutting. MB had the highest weight percent recovery from gutted weight at 10.75%, not significantly different (p > 0.05) from MN at 9.65% but significantly higher (p < 0.05) from MP1 (9.38%) and MP2 (9.50%). In terms of product quality, bigger sandfish >600 g produced good quality products when processed correctly. Bêche-de-mer is priced based on three criteria: quality of the product, size length, and weight. Although there is no single best-practice method for processing sandfish, sea ranch managers may opt to adopt the MB and MN for a simpler procedure to save time and resources, and higher product yield for better income. Keywords: Sandfish, processing techniques, yield, balat, product quality.

Bioactive Components of Meat Powder and Viscera-Gonad Holothuria Scabra from Terung Island Waters, Batam, Indonesia

Holothuria scabra contains some bioactive components that are highly needed by humans in functional and healthy food. This study aims to determine differences in chemical content and bioactive components, the amount of water-soluble protein, salt-soluble protein, amino acid profile, and fatty acid profile from meat powder ingredients and viscera-gonad. The research stages include the weeding process and sample preparation, making meat powder and sea cucumber viscera-gonad, and testing the chemical and bioactive composition. Yields of sea cucumber meat powder and viscera-gonads were 95.45% and 95.92%, respectively. Sea cucumber meat powder has a slightly grayish creamy white color (69.32% white degree), while the sea cucumber gonad powder has a slightly brownish grayish-white color (63.09% white degree). The chemical contents of meat powder and edible gonad of sea cucumber are water content 9.12% and 16.12%, protein 79.50% (dw) and 51.83% (dw), fat 2.14% (dw) and 20.09% (dw), ash 4.14% (dw) and 9.52% (dw), carbohydrates 13.88% (dw) and 18.57% (dw), respectively. Components of bioactive in sea cucumber extract generally contain flavonoid components, saponins, alkaloids and steroids, and specifically, the meat is not identified flavonoid compounds. Water-soluble protein and salt-soluble protein in the sea cucumber powder decreased compared to the fresh sea cucumber. Essential amino acids in sea cucumber amino were most abundant in meat of 74.09% and viscera-gonads of 49.95%. The dominant essential amino acids in sea cucumber meat included lysine (6.78%) and leucine (7.11%), in the viscera-gonad of leucine amino acid types (3.81%) and arginine (4.16%). The amount of total fatty acids in sea cucumber meat (1.71%) was smaller than that of sea cucumber gonads (18.49%). The types of fatty acids identified in the meat and the sea cucumber viscera-gonad were saturated fatty acids of 1.08% and 8.97%; saturated fatty acids of 0.63% and 4.96%; while compounds saturated fatty acids in meat were not identified and in viscera-gonads by 4.56%.

Status of Sea Cucumber Fisheries in Mindanao: Harnessing Local Knowledge in Determining Diversity and Production Values

Sea cucumber fishery is a significant livelihood in the Philippines; however, overexploitation and inadequate management programs resulted in the decline of various sea cucumber species. This paper describes the current sea cucumber fisheries across 32 municipalities in Mindanao assessed from August 2019 to January 2020 through key informant surveys (KIS) and focus group discussions (FGD). About 47 sea cucumbers were identified from KIS, mostly for export. The high-value Holothuria scabra is the most exploited species across Mindanao, but the top catches are mainly composed of low to medium-value species. At least four sea cucumber species were noted by gatherers to have disappeared from some sites during the KIS. The FGDs showed that the sea cucumber fishery is small-scale, involving about 1,922 gatherers from 10 municipalities. Half of them (56%) engage in full-time sea cucumber gathering and employ various methods depending on the location of their collection grounds. Estimates of mean daily sea cucumber catch ranged from 1–7.3 kg-1 gatherer-1 day-1, with the highest catch in Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and lowest in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Catch per unit effort ranged from 0.2-1.8 kg-1 gatherer-1 day-1, with the highest catch rate in Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur, and lowest in Laguindingan. Gatherers often sold their catches as fresh to consolidators or traders. Net incomes from the combined fresh catches ranged from PHP 70–950, with the highest income in Olutanga and the lowest in Laguindingan. Historical trendlines show decreasing catches in all sites over time. Overall, the sea cucumber fishery in Mindanao is rapidly declining and needs urgent management interventions to sustain stocks and livelihoods.