A groundbreaking discovery of a vast nursery hosting billions of juvenile sea cucumbers near Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, is shedding light on the species and potentially opening up economic opportunities for the Arctic community. Lucassie Arragutainaq, the head of the Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association, mentioned that while the community consumes small sea cucumbers, the larger adults could be exported to China and Japan.
The association collaborated with scientists from Memorial University in Newfoundland in 2018 to investigate the Orange-footed sea cucumber, also known as Cucumaria frondosa, for potential inclusion in commercial fishing plans. Led by Professor Annie Mercier, the research team, with the help of local residents, stumbled upon the nursery the following year, much to their excitement.
According to Mercier, the discovery of the nursery, detailed in a 2023 publication in the journal Polar Science, marks the first identification of a Cucumaria frondosa nursery. The tiny sea cucumber juveniles, measuring less than two millimeters and resembling pink specks on rocks and mussel shells, are found closer to the water’s surface compared to the adult counterparts residing in deeper ocean areas.
Describing the nursery as “extensive,” Mercier highlighted its potential coverage along the Belcher Islands archipelago coastline, positioned between one to three meters below the ocean surface. The findings have opened up avenues for further research on growth rates, migration patterns, and behavioral changes of the sea cucumbers, crucial information for species management.
During a research trip to Sanikiluaq, researcher Joséphine Pierrat showcased the abundance of baby sea cucumbers, emphasizing their ubiquitous presence. The collaboration between the research team and the local community, facilitated at the Qikitait Centre, aims to collect and analyze data essential for potential commercial fishing endeavors.
With aspirations to establish a sea cucumber fishery alongside an existing scallop fishery, the community anticipates job creation and economic benefits. Despite the regulatory challenges ahead, careful management practices are deemed crucial to ensure sustainability and prevent overexploitation of sea cucumber populations globally.
Both Arragutainaq and Pierrat highlighted the culinary versatility of sea cucumbers, suggesting potential markets for processed adult sea cucumbers and local consumption of younger specimens. The community sees this opportunity as a valuable learning experience and a potential source of income, with Arragutainaq describing sea cucumbers as a delectable treat whether enjoyed raw or roasted.