A unique discovery of a sea cucumber nursery containing billions of baby sea cucumbers has been made near Sanikiluaq, Nunavut. This finding is aiding researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of the species and potentially exploring economic opportunities for the Arctic community.
The manager of the Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association, Lucassie Arragutainaq, mentioned that while the community consumes small sea cucumbers regularly, the larger adult sea cucumbers could be targeted for export to markets in China and Japan.
In a bid to incorporate the species into plans for a commercial scallop fishery, scientists from Memorial University in Newfoundland were invited by the association to study the Orange-footed sea cucumber, scientifically known as Cucumaria frondosa, in 2018. Led by Annie Mercier, a professor at the university’s ocean sciences department, the team, with guidance from community members, discovered the nursery the subsequent year.
Mercier expressed excitement about the find, highlighting that sea cucumbers are generally elusive creatures, making their nursery grounds poorly understood worldwide. A published article in the journal Polar Science by Mercier and her team detailed the first-ever discovery of a Cucumaria frondosa nursery near Sanikiluaq.
The baby sea cucumbers, measuring less than two millimeters and resembling pink specks on rocks and mussel shells, were found closer to the water’s surface compared to the adult sea cucumbers residing deep underwater on the ocean floor. Mercier described the expansive nursery, stretching along the Belcher Islands archipelago coastline, as a significant research opportunity to explore growth rates, migration patterns, and behavioral changes of the young sea cucumbers.
Researchers, including Joséphine Pierrat, engaged in studying and collecting samples from the nursery, emphasizing the collaboration between the scientific community and local knowledge for data collection and analysis. The gathered information is crucial for potential management and commercial utilization of the sea cucumbers.
Plans for a commercial fishery involving sea cucumbers alongside scallops are being considered by the Sanikiluaq community, with a focus on sustainable practices. Arragutainaq highlighted the potential job creation and economic benefits for residents through such initiatives, underscoring the need for careful management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Pierrat noted the dual market potential, where adult sea cucumbers could be processed and exported, while younger sea cucumbers could serve as a local food source. Arragutainaq described sea cucumbers as versatile ingredients that can be enjoyed raw or roasted, offering a crunchy and salty taste.
Overall, the discovery of the sea cucumber nursery near Sanikiluaq presents promising opportunities for scientific research, economic development, and sustainable livelihoods within the Arctic community.