Ecological study of two sea cucumbers (Holothuria parva and Holothuria arenicola) in the Hormozgan and Bushehr provinces of Persian Gulf

Abstract

The understanding of the distribution and population structure of the various species in the marine environment is very helpful to effectual resource management and conservation. This study aimed to assess ecological factors relating to sea cucumber populations on the rocky shores of the Persian Gulf. Population of two species of sea cucumber were investigated along 6 intertidal rocky sites, including Deylam, Bushehr, Dayer, Nayband, Bostaneh, and Lengeh in Bushehr and Hormozgan Provinces. During the period of the sampling, no sea cucumbers were observed in Deylam and Lengeh stations. To address this, 500 individuals of sea cucumber were collected and transported from their natural habitat to the laboratory. During the whole study, two species were observed (Holothuria parva and Holothuria arenicola). The Highest abundance were obtained at the stations of Dayer (198 individuals) and Bostaneh (188 individuals). The maximum density (individuals per 200 m2) was estimated for Dayer (49.5 ± 6.13) and Bostaneh (47 ± 8.79). The results of the study revealed a negative allometric growth for both species. The results showed that different ecological indices of sea cucumbers community in the study areas affected by physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity and possibly lack of correct management in order to enforce more protective approaches relating to these animals.