Spatial variations in the population characteristics of sea cucumber resources in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, south-east coast of India

The lack of data on population abundance, biomass and basic biological parameters of most of the sea cucumber species from Indian waters is a fundamental barrier to impose suitable management measures on these resources. A study was conducted to ascertain the sea cucumber population characteristics in two geographically distinct ecosystems (Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay) along the south-east coast of India. The stock status of sea cucumber population was assessed both by trawl and dive surveys following standard methods on a random basis. Comparatively, a higher average density of total sea cucumbers was estimated in the Gulf of Mannar (3853 +/- 152.3 nos. ha(-1)) than in Palk Bay (2428.5 +/- 504.6 nos. ha(-1)). The species diversity, average length and weight of individual species were also higher in the Gulf of Mannar. The present study indicated significant variation in status and structure of sea cucumber resources in these two ecosystems. Hence the study warrants the emphasis of ecosystem-based management in formulating conservation measures of these resources in Indian waters.