The sea cucumber is a slow-moving, soft-bodied marine organism that plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of coastal ecosystems. Belonging to the same phylum as starfishes and sea urchins, it uses its small tube feet to glide across the ocean floor while feeding on organic matter. Characterized by its leathery skin and cylindrical body, the sea cucumber contributes to nutrient recycling and sediment turnover—functions that are crucial to the health of marine environments.

Among the many species inhabiting Philippine waters, the sandfish (Holothuria scabra), locally known as kigo, stands out for both its ecological significance and economic value. This high-value species has become a focus of research and development for the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) through its Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center (MFRDC) based in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Global and local demand

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2021), the global sea cucumber trade is valued at more than USD 1 billion annually, with demand expected to rise as wild stocks decline and market preferences shift toward sustainably farmed products.

Sandfish, in particular, is a highly valued commodity in Asia. Dried sea cucumbers—known as bêche-de-mer or trepang—are considered delicacies and are widely used in traditional cuisine and medicine in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. A 2018 study published in Marine Policy reported that premium processed sandfish can command prices between USD 200 and 400 per kilogram, depending on size and quality.

In the Philippines, sandfish ranks among the most economically important sea cucumber species. Once abundant in coastal regions such as Palawan, Mindanao, and the Visayas, its populations have significantly declined due to overharvesting. A 2022 report by NFRDI confirmed earlier findings (2015) that the country remains one of Southeast Asia’s top producers and exporters of dried sea cucumbers, supplying major processing hubs and international markets.

With the introduction of hatchery and nursery technologies developed by NFRDI and partner institutions, sandfish aquaculture has emerged as a promising alternative to wild harvest. These innovations strengthen the country’s potential to establish a sustainable blue economy industry that supports both coastal livelihoods and stock enhancement initiatives.

MFRDC’s science-based innovations in sandfish

Since 2013, NFRDI-MFRDC, in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 8 (DA-BFAR 8), has led the development of science-based technologies for sandfish production. This partnership successfully pioneered seed production techniques for grow-out farming and resource rehabilitation, establishing a foundation for sustainable sea cucumber aquaculture in the Philippines.

In hatchery production, NFRDI-MFRDC researchers refined spawning induction techniques using dry treatment and food shock, allowing for more consistent breeding of broodstock. The team also streamlined larval rearing protocols by demonstrating that a single-species microalgal diet, Chaetoceros calcitrans or C. gracilis, is adequate for healthy larval development.

Complementary research published in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries (2019) showed that sand-filtered seawater can effectively replace chlorination and ultraviolet treatment systems, reducing operational costs without compromising water quality. Larvae reared under these optimized conditions achieved higher survival rates, with a recommended transfer size of at least one millimeter for nursery rearing.

During the nursery phase, the Center developed a tank-based indoor system that uses seaweed extracts from Sargassum sp. and Laurencia papillosa as feed. A subsequent study published in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries (2022) found that these locally available seaweeds significantly improved juvenile growth and survival compared to other feed types. The research further identified an optimal grow-out release size of three grams and recommended lower stocking densities to promote better growth performance.

Field validation in Eastern Samar confirmed that juveniles stocked in floating net cages at a density of 500 individuals per cage during the dry season achieved optimal survival and growth. These findings guided the formulation of standardized protocols for hatchery and nursery production, bridging laboratory research with practical applications in community aquaculture.

Collectively, these science-based innovations and peer-reviewed studies form a comprehensive technology package for sandfish aquaculture, from hatchery to nursery to grow-out. Through sustained research and adaptation to local conditions, NFRDI-MFRDC has strengthened the Philippines’ position as a regional leader in sandfish aquaculture, contributing to ecological restoration and improved livelihoods for coastal communities. ### (Rita dela Cruz)