The sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) of Palawan, Philippines

Abstract

Sea cucumbers are among the heavily exploited invertebrates in the Philippines that are not regulated due to limited scientific information needed to support the development of management measures. This study was therefore conducted to generate information on sea cucumber species in Palawan, Philippines. Sixteen sites covering different habitats (intertidal flats, seagrass beds, mangrove areas and coral reefs) were surveyed for the occurrence of sea cucumbers. The survey was done through walking, snorkeling and diving using the Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). Gathering of sea cucumbers together with fishers was also conducted to document other species that might have been missed during the independent survey. A sample of each species was collected and photographed after relaxation. Samples were then preserved either in 10% buffered formalin solution or 95% ethanol for archiving. The survey has recorded 44 species under family Caudinidae (1), Holothuriidae (26), Stichopodidae (16) and Synaptidae (1). Twenty-three are newly reported in the province and 36 are harvested for trading and local consumption. It was evident that Palawan harbors high diversity of sea cucumbers but collection is heavy also and unregulated.