DEVELOPMENT OF RED SEA CUCUMBER Parastichopus californicus POLY-AQUACULTURE FOR NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND SEAFOOD EXPORT

Update on a demonstration and feasibility study focused on culturing a new aquaculture species, the giant red sea cucumber Parastichopus californicus while overcoming current bottlenecks.  To allow outplanting this native species from geographical areas, population genetic analysis will be performed to determine if there are spatially distinct populations.  We also plan to further the development of hatchery nursery systems at the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery and the Ken Chew Restoration Hatchery, develop a farm system for raising sea cucumbers in Washington and Alaska, evaluate a culture system that can serve as a nutrient recycling tool underneath aquaculture sites, and produce marking techniques that establish visible product ownership.

The native giant red sea cucumber ranges from southern California to the Gulf of Alaska. It feeds on decaying organic matter, bacteria and benthic diatoms that occur in or on the seabed.  The food supports the sea cucumber or is broken down into even smaller particulates, which in conjunction with sediment movement during feeding helps recycle organic materials into the ecosystem.  Culture activities will focus on co-culture with sablefish and mussels where their biodeposits will be a feed source for the sea cucumbers.

Specific objectives are:

1.      Examine the genetic population structure of spatially distinct aggregations of the sea cucumber Parastichopus californicus.  

2.      Develop hatchery and nursery technology in Manchester, Washington and Seward, Alaska.

3.      Estimate mortality, initial growth, and target densities of sea cucumbers in co-culture with farmed mussels and sablefish in Alaska (Ketchikan) and Washington (Totten Inlet and Rich Passage).

4.      Quantify sedimentation and water chemistry characteristics prior and during sea cucumber introduction (Dissolved oxygen, pH, carbon chemistry, nutrients, sedimentation rates and size) in Washington (Totten Inlet and Rich Passage).

5.      Advance federal, state and local permitting processes for sea cucumber aquaculture in Washington and Alaska.

6.      Document and describe required steps for further development of commercial/farm-scale applications.