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Edible peanut worm (Sipunculus nudus) in the Beibu Gulf: Resource, aquaculture, ecological impact and counterplan

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Abstract

Sipunculus nudus is an important economic species because of its high nutritional and medicinal values. The exploitation and utilization of S. nudus primarily occur in the coastal regions of the Beibu Gulf. However, wild resource of S. nudus is rapidly decreasing because of the overexploitation, which has led to considerable developments of artificial breeding techniques. The cultivation scale of S. nudus has increased in response to successful artificial breeding; however, methods for culturing S. nudus in tidal flats or ponds require further study. Most studies have focused on the breeding, nutrition, medical value and ecological impact of these worms. Studies on the distribution, sediment requirements, nutrition characteristics, breeding techniques and aquaculture ecology of this species are summarized in this paper to promote the development of the aquaculture industry for S. nudus. The high biomass of S. nudus in the Beibu Gulf is positively correlated with the sediment characteristics and water quality of the region. The production of peanut worm has improved to some extent through culturing; however, the nutrient value and ecological environment problems have been observed, which reflect the over exploitation of trace elements and the sediment. These problems will worsen unless they are resolved, and the release of organic materials, nitrogen and phosphorus during harvesting impacts the coastal environment. Moreover, genetic erosion is a potential risk for larvae in artificial breeding programs in tidal flats. Therefore, culturing and collecting methods should be improved and the wild resource conservation should be implemented to promote the sustainable development of the peanut worm.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41606137), Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2015A030 310260), and the Scientific Research Funds for Central Non-profit Institutes, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (Nos. 2014ZD01, 2013ZD01). It was also supported by the Marine Fishery Science and Technology Industry Projects from Guangdong Province (Nos. B201601-01, B201500B 04), the Science and Technology Plan Projects from Guangdong Province (Nos. 2013B090500081 and 2013B 040500020). The authors would like to thank Mr. Zhenguo Chen from Bihaiwan Aquaculture Technology Co., Ltd. for his technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, P. R. China

    Junwei Li, Xiaoyong Xie, Changbo Zhu, Yongjian Guo & Suwen Chen

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  1. Junwei Li
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  2. Xiaoyong Xie
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  3. Changbo Zhu
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  4. Yongjian Guo
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Correspondence to Changbo Zhu.

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Li, J., Xie, X., Zhu, C. et al. Edible peanut worm (Sipunculus nudus) in the Beibu Gulf: Resource, aquaculture, ecological impact and counterplan. J. Ocean Univ. China 16, 823–830 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11802-017-3310-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11802-017-3310-z

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