Optimising methods for community-based sea cucumber ranching: Experimental releases of cultured juvenile Holothuria scabra into seagrass meadows in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In this study the authors investigated whether short-term protection from predation improved survival of cultured juvenile sandfish released into a range of seagrass habitats located within potential community sea ranching sites. It also describes the biophysical properties of the habitats and relates these to sandfish growth. The results will assist project managers and community farmers in optimising methods for releases and in selecting suitable sites for sea ranching operations in New Ireland Province (NIP), PNG.