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Problems to be noticed in stocking of sea cucumber
In recent years, the economic benefits of sea cucumber farming have become increasingly attractive, drawing many farmers into aquaculture. However, due to a lack of proper techniques and hasty decisions, disease outbreaks have become more frequent, leading to lower survival rates and uneven yields. Some farmers even suffered financial losses. The main causes of these failures are often attributed to insufficient knowledge and overstocking. In fact, scientific stocking is the foundation for successful sea cucumber farming. This article will provide detailed guidance on key considerations during the stocking process, aiming to assist those involved in the industry.
First and foremost, the quality of the pond construction plays a critical role in the success of aquaculture. Ideally, the site should be located near the open sea with smooth water flow, natural tidal action, and minimal pollution sources such as freshwater inflow. The best salinity range for sea cucumbers is between 28‰ and 33‰, and the water depth should be at least 2 meters. A hard sandy bottom is preferable, as it supports a rich population of benthic diatoms, which serve as a primary food source. The pond should also include drainage channels, with the drainage gate placed at the lowest point to ensure complete water removal.
After constructing the pond, it's essential to install reference reefs to provide shelter and feeding areas for the sea cucumbers. These can be made from stones, hollow bricks, cement pipes, or other suitable materials. Stones should be at least 2 meters in size and weigh no less than 10 kilograms each. Spacing between rocks should be 4–5 meters, with 2–3 meters between heaps. This layout helps create an ideal habitat that promotes growth and reduces stress.
Disinfection is another crucial step before stocking. Sea cucumbers are sensitive to poor water quality and sediment conditions. Excess silt can degrade water quality, promote bacterial growth, and increase disease risk. Before introducing seedlings, the pond should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using lime (50–100 kg per acre) or bleaching powder (30 ppm). After one week, the disinfectant should be fully neutralized before adding fertilizer and seedlings.
Fertilization is also important to support early growth. Organic fertilizers like compost (50–100 kg per acre) or inorganic fertilizers (3–4 kg per acre) can be used to enhance the availability of microorganisms. Additionally, cultivating large algae such as kelp, wakame, and seaweed can improve the environment and provide natural food sources.
The timing of stocking is critical. Spring and autumn are typically the best seasons, with optimal water temperatures ranging from 7°C to 10°C. Stocking should be done on sunny days if possible, avoiding rainy or stormy weather. Healthy seedlings—those that are active, firm, and free of deformities—should be selected to ensure better survival rates.
Stocking density must be carefully managed. Overstocking leads to competition for food and oxygen, increasing the risk of disease and mortality. A general guideline is 4,000–5,000 seedlings per mu, depending on pond conditions and available resources. Adjustments can be made based on the availability of natural bait and feeding strategies.
When introducing seedlings, it’s important to disinfect them using a solution of penicillin and streptomycin (30 mg/L) for 0.5–1 hour. The temperature difference between the transport container and the pond should not exceed 2°C. Using net bags filled with small stones can help secure the seedlings and allow them to gradually acclimate to their new environment.
Finally, after stocking, regular monitoring is necessary. Observing the behavior, feeding, and excretion of the seedlings within three days can help assess whether the stocking was successful. If survival rates are low, timely replanting is essential. Throughout the growing season, harvesting should be done when the sea cucumbers reach marketable sizes to maximize productivity and profitability.