Species
Holothuria floridana, a sea cucumber native to the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region.
MIPEZ · TECHNICAL DOCUMENT · RÍA LAGARTOS
Sea cucumber grow-out in bottom cages.
Technical background based on the 2024 Cinvestav Mérida master's thesis evaluating juvenile Holothuria floridana in a mangrove-channel marine-farm system in Yucatán, Mexico.
← Back to Kickstarter campaign01 / STUDY CONTEXT
A local experimental foundation.
The study assessed juvenile grow-out in bottom cages at a shallow site known as “estero de la playa”, in the western area of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. The experiment ran for 104 days.
System
Bottom cages placed in a mangrove-channel environment, relying on naturally available sediment and organic matter rather than artificial feed.
Research purpose
Evaluate growth and survival across three stocking densities as a basis for further aquaculture development and management research.
02 / EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Nine one-square-metre cages.
The experiment used nine square prism cages, each 1 × 1 m and 0.25 m high, made with 4.5 × 4.5 mm HDPE mesh and secured to the bottom with PVC tubes and stakes.
Stocking densities
Three experimental treatments, each with three replicates: 10, 15 and 30 individuals per square metre.
Initial animals
Juveniles had an average initial weight of 3.34 ± 0.40 g.
Natural food
Animals relied on sediment and available organic matter. Reported sediment organic matter ranged from 1.84% to 9.76%.
03 / REPORTED RESULTS
Lower density produced greater individual growth.
At the end of the 104-day study, the 10-individuals-per-square-metre treatment showed the highest final weight and specific growth rate. These are study results, not commercial production forecasts.
8.97 gfinal mean weight at 10 ind/m²
0.95%specific growth rate per day
90.0%mean survival at 10 ind/m²
94.37%survival at 30 ind/m²
For comparison: 15 ind/m² reached 7.46 g final weight, 0.77% d⁻¹ specific growth and 86.67% survival. The 30 ind/m² treatment reached 6.70 g, 0.67% d⁻¹ and 94.37% survival.
The experiment's highest survival occurred at the highest density, while the greatest individual growth occurred at the lowest density. Commercial stocking decisions require additional replicated trials, seasonal testing and site-specific assessment.
04 / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS & MANAGEMENT
Seasonality matters.
Mean recorded conditions were 25.9°C temperature, 38.6 PSU salinity, 4.12 mg/L dissolved oxygen and 1.28 m depth. A winter northerly storm caused sharp changes in temperature, salinity and turbidity, affecting the monitoring period.
Weather exposure
The study recorded a temperature decrease to 20.1°C, salinity to 25.3 PSU and turbidity up to 1,432 NTU during a winter storm event.
Associated fauna
Sponges, bivalves and crabs were recorded inside cages. Mesh selection and inspection protocols should consider fouling, competition and predation risks.
Management implication
The thesis recommends considering more protected locations or seasonal relocation ahead of winter storm conditions. Site choice and permits must be assessed independently for any new pilot.
ACADEMIC REFERENCE
Research source
Alejandra de Jesús Acevedo Barajas (November 2024). Evaluación del desempeño productivo del pepino de mar Holothuria floridana en jaulas de fondo en un sistema tipo granjas marinas. Master's thesis in Marine Biology, Cinvestav, Unidad Mérida, Department of Marine Resources. Advisor: Dr. Miguel Ángel Olvera Novoa.
This technical page summarizes the cited thesis. It does not constitute an aquaculture permit, environmental authorization, engineering design or guarantee of production. Any pilot requires current scientific, legal and environmental review.
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