Aquatic Ecology

, Volume 51, Issue 1, pp 17–31 | Cite as

Distribution and microhabitat associations of the juveniles of a high-value sea cucumber, Stichopus cf. horrens, in northern Philippines

  • N. Palomar-Abesamis
  • R. A. Abesamis
  • M. A. Juinio-Meñez
Article
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Abstract

There is considerable global interest in rebuilding depleted populations of sea cucumbers (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) to address conservation and economic goals. For the vast majority of holothurian species, the habitat and food requirements of the juvenile stage are poorly understood. We investigated the distribution and microhabitat associations of juveniles of a commercially important sea cucumber, Stichopus cf. horrens, in the shallow, shoreward side of a coral reef (or backreef) in northern Philippines (16°21′38.7″N, 119°59′47.9″E). Relationships between juvenile density and the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of their habitat were examined. Potential food sources of the juveniles were also investigated using elemental and stable isotope analysis. Results showed that juveniles are more abundant in seagrass areas and the transition zone between seagrass and the rubble-dominated reef flat. A non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot indicated that juvenile density was most positively associated with coarser sand and rubble (>0.5 mm) and seagrass (Thalassia hemprichii) abundance (2D stress = 0.11). Juvenile density was also positively associated with sediment organic matter from plant detritus to a lesser extent. Elemental and isotope analysis of one site indicated that epiphytes were the primary food source of juveniles, while sediment detritus from microalgae and seagrass was a secondary food source. This study corroborates anecdotal evidence regarding the importance of seagrass to S. cf. horrens as potential refugia and source of high-quality food for its juveniles. These findings underscore the need to protect the nursery habitats of wild juveniles and provide critical information for the selection of suitable natural habitats for releasing cultured juveniles of this important species.

Keywords

Holothurian Seagrass Nursery Epiphyte Detritus Stable isotope 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants to NPA from the Philippine Department of Science and Technology Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program and the University of the Philippines Bolinao Marine Laboratory. We are grateful to the Silliman University Biology Department, Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management and the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences for the use of facilities, Allan Abuan, Renato Adolfo, Ronald de Guzman, Christine Edullantes and Minin Sinsona for assistance in the field and laboratory, Jasper Maypa for the map and Dr. Matthew J. Slater for scientific advice. We also thank the local government officials of Anda, Pangasinan for supporting this research.

Compliance with ethical standards

All procedures performed on animals were in accordance with Philippine laws (Republic Act 9147, Wildlife Act).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  • N. Palomar-Abesamis
    • 1
    • 2
  • R. A. Abesamis
    • 3
    • 4
  • M. A. Juinio-Meñez
    • 1
  1. 1.The Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the PhilippinesQuezon CityPhilippines
  2. 2.Biology DepartmentSilliman UniversityDumaguete CityPhilippines
  3. 3.College of Marine and Environmental ScienceJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleAustralia
  4. 4.Silliman University - Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management (SUAKCREM)Dumaguete CityPhilippines

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