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Problems to be noticed in stocking of sea cucumber
In recent years, the aquaculture of sea cucumbers has become increasingly popular due to its high profitability. Many farmers have entered this industry, hoping to reap significant benefits. However, due to rushed approaches and limited technical knowledge, disease outbreaks have become more frequent, leading to lower survival rates and inconsistent yields. Some even suffered financial losses. The main causes of these failures are often attributed to inadequate technology and improper stocking practices. In fact, scientific stocking is a crucial first step in ensuring successful sea cucumber farming. This article will provide key considerations for effective sea cucumber stocking, offering valuable insights for those involved in the industry.
The quality of the pond construction plays a vital role in the success of sea cucumber farming. It's best to avoid areas with dense vegetation or nutrient-rich zones. Instead, choose locations near the sea where water flow is smooth, tides are natural, and there is no nearby pollution such as freshwater inflow. Ideal salinity should be between 28‰ and 33‰, and the water quality should be clean. The pond bottom should be firm and sandy, with a depth of at least 2 meters. Drainage channels must be properly designed, with the drainage gate placed at the lowest point to ensure complete water drainage.
After the pond is built, it’s essential to install reference reefs. These structures help create a suitable habitat for sea cucumbers. Choose appropriate materials based on local conditions—commonly used stones that are at least 2 meters in size and weighing over 10 kilograms each. Place them 4 to 5 meters apart, with 2 to 3 meters between heaps. Other materials like hollow bricks, cement pipes, tiles, used tires, and ceramic tubes can also serve as reef structures. These help provide shelter, promote algae growth, and support the healthy development of sea cucumbers.
Disinfection is another critical step before stocking. Sea cucumbers are benthic animals, so the sediment and water quality directly impact their health. Excessive silt can lead to poor water quality and bacterial growth, increasing the risk of disease. Before introducing seedlings, remove sludge from the pond and disinfect using lime (50–100 kg per acre) or bleaching powder (30 ppm). After one week, when the disinfectant has dissipated, you can begin fertilizing the pond.
Fertilization is important to ensure sufficient food for the seedlings. Benthic diatoms and organic matter are ideal food sources. Apply 50–100 kg of composted organic fertilizer or 3–4 kg of inorganic fertilizer per acre before stocking.
Introducing large algae such as kelp, wakame, and seaweed into the pond can enhance the environment. Three common methods include: 1) Spore scattering on stones, 2) attaching spores to ropes or mesh bags, and 3) sinking seedling ropes to the pond bottom. These methods help establish a stable ecosystem for sea cucumbers.
Stocking should occur during spring or autumn, ideally when water temperatures reach 7°C to 10°C. Avoid stocking on rainy or stormy days. Healthy seedlings are essential for success. Look for strong, active, and well-proportioned individuals. Dull, slimy, or slow-moving seedlings may indicate poor health.
Stocking density significantly affects survival and yield. Overstocking leads to competition for space and food, causing stress and disease. A general guideline is 4,000 to 5,000 seedlings per mu, depending on pond conditions and available resources. Adjustments can be made if natural food is abundant or supplemental feeding is planned.
Proper stocking techniques are also important. Disinfect seedlings with a solution of penicillin and streptomycin (30 mg/L) for 30–60 minutes before introduction. Ensure the temperature difference between the seedling container and the pond is no more than 2°C. Using net bags filled with small stones helps prevent seedlings from floating and allows them to settle naturally on the reef.
After stocking, monitor the seedlings closely for three days, observing their activity, feeding, and waste. This helps determine if the stocking was successful and guides future management. If survival rates are low, replant promptly. Also, after a quarter of the growing season, harvest mature individuals to optimize pond space and productivity.