The Seabed Cleaner
The sea cucumber plays an important role in shallow coastal ecosystems, filtering the sand of decaying organic matter. This role is crucial for ecosystem health, preventing a build up of waste which could otherwise cause environmental disasters such as algal blooms.
Now Endangered
Due to booming demand for dry sea cucumbers in China, commercially important species of sea cucumber are now globally endangered. This especially includes the tropical species Holothuria scabra, which barely remains and is usually fished before reaching maturity.
