Role of deposit‐feeding sea cucumbers in integrated multitrophic aquaculture: progress, problems, potential and future challenges

There is significant commercial and research interest in the application of sea cucumbers as nutrient recyclers and processors of particulate waste in polyculture or integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. The following article reviews examples of existing IMTA systems operating with sea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reviews in aquaculture 2018-03, Vol.10 (1), p.57-74
Main Authors: Zamora, Leonardo Nicolas, Yuan, Xiutang, Carton, Alexander Guy, Slater, Matthew James
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural economics
Aquaculture
Aquaculture development
Aquaculture enterprises
bioremediation
deposit‐feeding
Economic conditions
Farming systems
Feeding
Holothuroidea
Industrial development
Industry
integrated multitrophic aquaculture
Invertebrates
Locomotion
Marine invertebrates
Mineral nutrients
Polyculture (aquaculture)
sea cucumber
sea ranching
Soil remediation
sustainable aquaculture
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Summary:There is significant commercial and research interest in the application of sea cucumbers as nutrient recyclers and processors of particulate waste in polyculture or integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. The following article reviews examples of existing IMTA systems operating with sea cucumbers, and details the role and effect of several sea cucumber species in experimental and pilot IMTA systems worldwide. Historical observations and quantification of impacts of sea cucumber deposit‐feeding and locomotion are examined, as is the development and testing of concepts for the application of sea cucumbers in sediment remediation and site recovery. The extension of applied IMTA systems is reported, from basic piloting through to economically viable farming systems operating at commercial scales. The near‐global recognition of the ecological and economic value of deposit‐feeding sea cucumbers in IMTA applications within existing and developing aquaculture industries is discussed. Predictions and recommendations are offered for optimal development of sea cucumber IMTA globally. Future directions within the industry are indicated, and key areas of ecological, biological and commercial concern are highlighted to be kept in mind and addressed in a precautionary manner as the industry develops.
ISSN:1753-5123
1753-5131
DOI:10.1111/raq.12147