Sea cucumber aquaculture is becoming an opportunity in the tropical western Atlantic after improvements in Holothuria floridana and Isostichopus badionotus farming, their potential for IMTA systems, and novel biotechnological uses. However, to generate a widespread industry comprising the many countries in the region, multiple hurdles must be addressed in the environmental, legal, financial, and societal aspects.
Environmental and biological constraints: The requirements for land operations can be prohibitive in certain countries; the extensive space required for a marine approach can also be a problem, as the organisms will be cultivated in a restricted portion of the continental platform. Locating suitable broodstock can also be an issue, as they have been overfished in most areas. These can be addressed through novel processes and technologies, including but not limited to integrated multitrophic approaches, installing seed production laboratories to supply juveniles for the region, and understanding sea cucumber aquaculture as a restorative activity.
Legal issues: Most countries in the region do not have a proper legal framework for aquaculture. Sea cucumber production is novel and unknown in most areas, and policymakers often need clarification. Also, some aquaculture approaches require sea ranching and repopulation before harvesting, which government officials often misunderstand. More integration among the government, scientists, private and public entities is needed to eliminate these misconceptions.
Community and stakeholders: In many areas, the same fishermen have participated in legal and illegal SC fishing, generating risk for investors and a perception of its aquaculture as a challenging endeavor. The new developments in H. floridana aquaculture in Mexico have demonstrated that it is possible to integrate organized fishing communities in producing sea cucumbers by the transference of uncomplicated technologies. is by In Panama, PanaSea uses a different approach producing juveniles by a private entity that could eventually sell seedstock to third parties, reducing risk and financial burden for entrepreneurs.
Financial and market aspects: Most SC production has traditionally gone to Asian markets through many intermediaries. This approach reduces the producer’s revenue, making it less attractive. Added-value products such as nutraceuticals can be a solution by locally processing and packing sea cucumbers or their byproducts. Also, generating an association of WA sea cucumber producers could consolidate the industry, establishing more profitable and fair conditions and prices.
Conclusions: To consolidate SC aquaculture in the WA region, the stakeholders must be adequately incentivized to see this industry as a profitable opportunity that includes everyone through co-governance.