Resources, exploitation, conservation and Management of holothurians: Holothurian resources from India And their exploitation

Abstract

In the seas around India nearly 200 species of holothurians are known, of which about 75 species are from the shallow waters within 20 m depth. Of these, about 15 species are of commercial value. At present processing is restricted only to the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay on the mainland. Here Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra is mainly used. The other species exploited are Holothuria (Thelothuria) spinifera and Bohadschia marmorata. Holothuria (Halodeima) atra which occurs in large numbers can also be tried. At present there is no exploitation in the Lakshadweep. In Lakshadweep, Holothuria (Microthele) nobilia which yields first grade beche-de-mer occurs in abundance followed by Bohadschia argus and Stichopus choloronotus. Exploitation is stopped in Andaman md Nicobar Islands. Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra and species ot Actinopyga are important from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.