Although small and often overlooked, the sea cucumber plays an integral role in underwater ecosystems. They provide frequent cleaning services to the ocean bottoms through their feeding process. Using feeding tentacles, the sea cucumber ingests sand and rubble through its digestive system in search of food. As it passes through the digestive system, nutrients are absorbed and cleaner, more oxygenated sand is expelled. Marine ecosystems rely heavily on cleaning services like this in order to remain healthy. Where the problem arises however, is that these small creatures are in high demand in East Asia both as a source of food and for use in medicine. Due to this consumer demand, the sea cucumber is being overfished. The overfishing, combined with water pollution and habitat destruction, is spelling out possible extinction for many sea cucumber species. A study was done by Dr. Iria Fernandez-Silva and two colleagues that examined the genetic diversity of the sea cucumber species that lived along the coastline of Okinawa, Japan. What they found was that there was very low genetic diversity in the species that inhabited areas that were contaminated with pollution. Because of the low genetic diversity, the species have an increased chance to face extinction since they cannot adapt to changes in their environment as easily as a species with a greater genetic diversity.
This specific study relates to the course because it is studying the genetic diversity of the sea cucumbers. Also, by looking into the genetics of many different species of sea cucumbers, it is dealing with the species diversity as well. In addition, the article makes the sea cucumber seem like a keystone species in its ecosystem. Without its cleaning services, the entire ecosystem would suffer and begin to negatively change. Overfishing was also discussed and this relates to the documentary that we recently watched during class. Although the species that were being overfished were different, the outcome in both situations were very similar. Both species were facing the risk of extinction.
Personally, I feel that the sea cucumber should not be fished for if that is increasing its chances of going extinct. As the study showed, the sea cucumber cannot adapt adequately enough to the changes in its environment if fishing is increased, therefore no fishing for the species should be allowed in order to ensure their survival as a species.
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It was interesting to see how the sea cucumbers play a big part in the ocean's ecosystems. Not knowing a lot about sea cucumbers, it was also a learning experience. I liked your viewpoint because sea cucumbers are so vital to the ecosystem that if they become overfished, there could be a rise in another species.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting because many people think they are benefitting the environment by consuming animals, such as the sea cucumber, that are lower on the food chain. As we learned, in many cases, it is better to eat plants and animals that are lower on the food chain because there can be a greater number of inviduals in these species and also because it takes lees energy to harvest and consume them. The case of the sea cucumber, however, proves that this is not always true. We should make sure that we are fully educated about where our food comes from so that our desires to try new foods do not negatively impact an ecosystem's biodiversity. I think that if more people realized how important it is to conserve species such as the sea cucumber they would be more willing to change their eating habits in order to help the effort to reduce overfishing.
ReplyDeleteAs previously stated in the other comments, I too was surprised by your article and had no idea that sea cucumbers provided those ecosystem services. I agree with your opinion about the dangers of overfishing them and also think that regulations should be put into place to ensure their survival.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it was interesting to read about a previously overlooked species' impact on the wider lifecycle processes of the ecosystem. It was also enlightening to see the direct correlation between genetic diversity and extinction rates.
ReplyDeleteI also was not aware that humans fish sea cucumbers, or that we eat them, either.
Its weird to think that sea cucumbers have such a high impact or the environment and as much demand as they do. I agree that over fishing is an issue that needs to be handled but how do you stop people from over-fishing cucumbers. Also, I was interested to find out there are several species of sea cucumbers.
ReplyDeleteIts weird to think that sea cucumbers have such a high impact or the environment and as much demand as they do. I agree that over fishing is an issue that needs to be handled but how do you stop people from over-fishing cucumbers. Also, I was interested to find out there are several species of sea cucumbers.
ReplyDelete