Yokwe, Hafa Adai, Tirow, Alii, Mogethin, Ran Annim, Kaselehlie, Len Wo, and Greetings!
Climate Change
Climate Change Impact
Puwe Patch Reef
Sea Cucumbers
Dried Sea Cucumbers
Dried sea cucumbers are worth $30 to $100 per kilogram depending upon the species, quality, and market. Thus, foreign investors have been interested in harvesting sea cucumbers across Pacific Islands for a long time.
Monitoring Program
In response to growing foreign interest, our monitoring program (right graph) has been closely tracking sea cucumber populations. Over time, the data have revealed significant declines in abundance, as clearly illustrated by the trends observed in Chuuk (left graph).
Depletion of Sea Cucumber Stocks
Sea cucumber stocks on many islands have been depleted, especially the large-bodied species shown in the top photos. As these declined, harvesters shifted their focus to the smaller species pictured at the bottom.
Illegal Harvesting
Starting in 2015, illegal investor-funded harvesting in Pohnpei led to legal action and a full harvest ban by 2018. Stocks are now slowly recovering—about 5 years for small species and up to 10 for large ones.
Harvest Sustainably
Sustainable harvesting will require improved monitoring and management that benefits both fishers and the ecosystems they rely on. Strong data are essential for guiding these fisheries, especially where few alternative livelihoods exist.
Are you ready to help?
Join, contribute, or collaborate with the Micronesia Reef Monitoring program
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