INTRODUCTION

Sea cucumbers are among the most significant marine invertebrate resources, providing

livelihood and income to many coastal communities along the Indo-Pacific region (Asha and

Muthiah 2007). They are primarily collected for export as a dried product known as trepang or

bechede-mer, which is a delicacy in most Asian countries (Choo 2008). The high demand, along

with the increasing market value, drives the intense exploitation of these resources (Toral-

Granda and Lovatelli 2006), leading to the decline of wild stocks (Battaglene and Bell 2006).

Many sea cucumber stocks worldwide are overfished (Uthicke and Conand 2005), registered as

“vulnerable” or “threatened” on the IUCN red list (Conand et al. 2014), and risk of local

extinctions (Gonzalez-Wangüemert et al. 2018). However, the fishery is still undermanaged with

very limited local policies; thus, the sustainability of the fishery is a concern (Brown et al. 2010).

In the Philippines, about 47 sea cucumber species have been primarily exploited for

export (Labe 2009), earning the title “hotspot in Asia” (Choo 2008), which provides substantial

income to small-scale fishers across the country. The number of exploited species continues to

increase from the 25 holothurian species that are regularly collected and processed (Schoppe

2000). Despite the economic importance, there is still an information gap on the status of the

resource with limited stock and ecosystemimpact assessments (Anderson et al. 2011), thus

hindering the formulation of management interventions and local policies. Most of the published

studies in the Philippines are site-specific such as in Palawan (Jontila et al. 2014), Tubbataha

Reefs Natural Park (Dolorosa 2015), SamarLeyte (de la Cruz et al. 2015), and Saranggani Bay

(Pitogo et al. 2018). The work of Leonardo (1984) recorded 27 sea cucumbers in Calatagan,

Batangas – with two Holothuria species as new records for the Philippines. On the other hand, de

Guzman and Quiñones (2021) identified 36 sea cucumber species and presented information on
the role of marine protected areas in maintaining their diversity and abundance in northeastern

and western Mindanao. Still, many areas known to be major sea cucumber gathering grounds and

trading centers have not been assessed especially in Mindanao. We conducted this study to

evaluate the diversity, abundance.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate and assess the morphology, abundance, and diversity of
sea Cucumber collected in the coastal area of Barangay Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

Specific Objectives of the Study:

1. Determine the diversity and abundance of sea cucumber species in Barangay Cagtinae,

Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

2. Assess the distribution of sea cucumbers in relation to different habitat types within the study

area.

3. Evaluate the potential risks of overexploitation of sea cucumbers in Barangay Cagtinae.

norte (figure 1). Cagtinae, a barangay in Malimono, Surigao del norte, is approximately 60 to 70

from Surigao City, the provincial capital.

These sites were selected based on several factors. Barangay Cagtinae known for its

sandy-rocky substrate, which supports an abundance of sea cucumber.

Figure(1) Barangay Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao Del Norte

Sample collection

Transects measuring 50 m x 5 m were laid perpendicular to the shore in the shallow

intertidal flats with a 50-m interval using transect tapes during low tide. This is done to

encompass two to three habitats (seagrass, seaweeds, and coral reef) at once in a transect. Three

project staff assisted by two local guides adept at collecting sea cucumbers collected all the sea

cucumbers found along the transects by snorkeling, wading, and handpicking. The sea

cucumbers were placed in a pail containing seawater and brought to the boat for measurement
and identification. The substrate types where the sea cucumber was handpicked were also noted

and characterized visually.

Distribution

The study focuses on evaluating the diversity and abundance of sea cucumbers in

Barangay Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao Del Norte. Sea cucumbers are important marine

resources providing livelihood to coastal communities, but intense exploitation due to high

demand has led to the decline of wild stocks and the listing of many species as vulnerable or

threatened. In the Philippines, known as a “hotspot in Asia,” about 47 species have been

exploited, yet large parts of Mindanao, including major gathering and trading areas, remain

insufficiently assessed. The study area, characterized by sandy-rocky substrates ideal for sea

cucumbers, was sampled using 50-meter by 5-meter transects placed perpendicular to the shore

across different habitats. Sea cucumbers were collected by snorkeling, wading, and handpicking

during low tide, measured and identified onboard, and the types of substrates where they were

found were visually recorded.

This study, conducted in Barangay Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, revealed a

diverse and abundant population of sea cucumbers, reflecting the favorable conditions of the

sandy-rocky substrate. The research emphasizes the potential economic and ecological value of

the area, but also highlights the need for further investigation and monitoring to assess the

potential risks of overexploitation. Future research should focus on quantifying the abundance

of each sea cucumber species, tracking their population dynamics over time, and developing

targeted management strategies, such as size limits, catch quotas, or seasonal fishing closures,

to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. Engaging with local fishing communities in data

collection, monitoring, and decision-making processes is crucial to ensure sustainable

management practices that are culturally and economically relevant. This research serves as a

critical starting point for understanding the sea cucumber population in Barangay Cagtinae, and

by building on these initial findings, further research and collaborative efforts with local

communities can pave the way for sustainable management and conservation of this vital

marine resource.
Conclusion

This study in Barangay Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, revealed a diverse and

abundant population of sea cucumbers, highlighting the area's ecological and economic value.

However, the research also underscored the urgent need for robust management strategies to

ensure the sustainability of this vital fishery in the face of increasing exploitation pressures.

While the study provides a baseline assessment, further investigations are needed to quantify

the abundance of each species, monitor population dynamics over time, and develop targeted

management strategies, such as size limits, catch quotas, or seasonal closures. Engaging with

local communities in research and decision-making processes is crucial to ensure the success of

any management plan. This research serves as a crucial starting point for informed and

collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term health of both the sea cucumber population and

the livelihoods of those dependent upon them.

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Assessment of Sea Cucumber Diversity and Abondance in Barangay
Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao Del Norte

PRESENTED TO:

EMELYN AZUCENAS

PRESENTED BY:

CHARBE R. SEMEROS
Abstract

This study investigates the diversity and abundance of sea cucumbers in Barangay

Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao del Norte. Sea cucumbers are a vital marine resource, providing

livelihoods for coastal communities. However, intense exploitation due to high demand has led

to declining populations and the listing of many species as vulnerable or threatened. The

Philippines, known as a "hotspot in Asia" for sea cucumber harvesting, sees exploitation of

approximately 47 species, but many areas, including major gathering and trading centers in

Mindanao, lack sufficient assessment.

The study area, characterized by sandy-rocky substrates suitable for sea cucumbers, was

sampled using transects placed perpendicular to the shore. Sea cucumbers were collected by

snorkeling, wading, and handpicking during low tide, and their abundance and distribution were

recorded.

The results indicate a diverse and abundant sea cucumber population in the study area,

highlighting its potential economic and ecological value. However, the study also emphasizes the

need for further research and monitoring to assess the potential risks of overexploitation.

Future research should focus on quantifying the abundance of each sea cucumber

species, tracking their population dynamics over time, and developing targeted management

strategies to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. Engaging with local fishing communities in

data collection, monitoring, and decision-making processes is crucial to ensure sustainable

management practices. This research serves as a crucial starting point for informed and

collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term health of both the sea cucumber population and the

livelihoods of those dependent upon them.