Distribution of Japanese Common Sea Cucumber, Stichopus japonicus in Lagoon Saroma.

概要

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Distribution pattern of the Japanese common sea cucumber, <I>Stichopus japonicus</I> was studied to obtain essential information for fishery management in Lagoon Saroma where fishing of the sea cucumber has been prohibited since 1989 because of depleting resource. Distribution of the sea cucumber was surveyed by dredge and diving at various locations within the lagoon. The sea cucumbers distributed mainly on oyster, <I>Crassostrea gigas</I> reefs located at depths of 8-10 m while almost no sea cucumber was found in flat mud, muddy sand, or in sand bottom. The reefs, composing of dead oyster shells, have a mean diameter of 16 m and mean height of 2 m. Many other megabenthos such as sea urchins, starfish, tunicates, and mussels were commonly distributed on the reefs, making up a peculiar benthos community. These results suggest a strong correlation between sea cucumber and oyster reef. The possible interractions between them are discussed from the viewpoint of suitable environmental condition and food supply.
日本水産増殖学会の論文