“On Guam we have not focused on conserving sea cucumbers because we haven’t raised awareness of their value to our marine ecosystems, nor have we fully explored the economic potential these creatures can bring to our island and the region,” said Alexander Kerr, associate professor at the University of Guam Marine Lab.
Kerr co-organized the sea cucumber protection workshop sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The workshop ended on Friday.
“Given their popularity as an edible treat in Asia, we must ensure we raise awareness and manage the population now or over-harvesting could quickly become an issue on Guam, as well,” Kerr warned.
Sea cucumbers are staple ingredients in many Asian cuisines. China also has also an increasing demand for this tropical sea animal which is believed to possess medicinal properties.
The growing demand for this marine resource forms the basis of a multi-million dollar industry.
Workshop participants warned that due to over-harvesting and poor management practices elsewhere in the Pacific, Micronesia is now being targeted by commercial interests for this valuable resource.
The UOG workshop was attended by marine experts and conservationists from Australia, Belgium, Colombia, France, Guam, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Saipan and the U.S.
