Sea cucumbers of the Comoros Archipelago
Samyn, Y.; VandenSpiegel, D.; Massin, C. (2005). Sea cucumbers of the Comoros Archipelago. SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin 22: 14-18 In: SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin. Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Noumea. ISSN 1095-4943, more | |
Abstract | Sea cucumbers have been harvested for centuries in the Far East. Overexploitation, coupled with increasing demand has led to local depletion of certain standing stocks. De novo investigation at Grande Comore (one of the four main islands of the Comoros Archipelago) allows re-appraisal of local holothuroid biodiversity. Comparison with neighbouring areas allows extrapolation of holothuroid species richness to the rest of the archipelago. The current exploitation of holothuroids has been documented and there are definite signs of overexploitation. Conservation measures are urgently needed if exploitation of sea cucumbers in this area is to become sustainable in the near future. |
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