Sustainability Challenges in Sea Cucumber Farming

Sustainability Challenges in Sea Cucumber Farming

Sea cucumber farming in Northern Sri Lanka plays a vital role in livelihood development and export earnings. However, this growing industry also faces sustainability concerns including resource user conflicts, environmental challenges, lack of reliable juvenile supply, and weaknesses in nursery facilities.

Prof. Chamari Dissanayake and Madavi Jayasekara from the Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, emphasize the importance of eco-friendly strategies, proper management, and research-based approaches to ensure long-term sustainability of this valuable marine resource.

These sustainable practices are expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s blue economy while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.

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Marine Snow: A staple of the deep

 

Marine Snow: A staple of the deep

As we dive deeper into winter in the northern hemisphere, the possibility of snow becomes an increasingly frequent topic of conversation. But did you know that the ocean gets a regular dose of 'marine snow' year-round? 

Marine snow is mostly biological debris that originates from the top layers of the ocean and drifts to the sea floor.

The decaying material is referred to as 'marine snow' because it looks a little bit like white fluffy bits. The continuous rain of marine snow provides food for many deep-sea creatures. Many animals in the dark parts of the ocean filter marine snow from the water or scavenge it from the seabed as their primary food source.

When diving in the deep, sometimes we see a lot of marine snow, and sometimes we see very little. Differences in the amount of marine snow falling through the water column or the density of this snowfall are influenced by many factors, such as the production of plankton in surface water and the consumption and decomposition rates of the organic matter.

They are not uniformly distributed either in space or time but are usually found in higher concentrations in the upper water column and in the more productive regions of the oceans.

Written by - Sayuri Pallewaththa

3rd year (21/22 Batch)

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