The individuals that remain on the reef fail to find a mate due to fishery removal. Populations of teatfish are most at risk because of their high market value and poor reproduction. Yet two of these species, the white teatfish and black teatfish, represented more than 20 per cent of the Queensland fishery’s recent total catch. Teatfish are listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which provides a strong basis to restrict their harvest and export.

One fast-disappearing group of tropical sea cucumbers, known as teatfish, is of particular concern. The data shows populations of some of the highest-valued species have been dwindling due to increasing and persistent global overharvest. “The Great Barrier Reef is home to 10 of the world’s 16 endangered or vulnerable sea cucumber species. “Fishery data collected along Australia’s primary sea cucumber fishing ground on the Reef has shown the need for caution and regulatory changes. 'These animals are in peril globally and their harvest on the Great Barrier Reef is of great concern. “Abundant sea cucumber populations on unfished reefs process tonnes of lagoon sediments annually through their body - they are the clean sand solution. “Known as the earthworms or vacuums of the sea, sea cucumbers are critical for reef health, helping keep the seafloor clean and productive,' said Dr Maria Byrne, Professor of Marine Biology from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. Published in Biological Conservation, the research was led by a team from the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland. The global market for sea cucumbers is estimated to be worth over USD$200 million annually. Several kinds of sea cucumber are harvested, mainly for Chinese consumption. New research reveals that overharvesting has put the Great Barrier Reef’s tropical sea cucumber populations in peril, with strong demand for this delicacy from East and Southeast Asia.

White Teatfish sea cucumber in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Tropical Cuties Adry Cucumber