Evaluation of Sea Cucumber Fishing in Puerto Rico

Miguel 2013Sponsoring organization: Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales

Team members: Pedro Miguel, Kelly Morgan, Irma Vlasac, Nathaniel Yuhas

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Abstract: The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) required information on the status of sea cucumber fishing in Puerto Rico. The team researched this subject and supplied the DNER with updated material regarding the status of sea cucumber fishing and regulations throughout the Caribbean region. We determined that commercial sea cucumber fishing has ceased in Puerto Rico through the use of interviews with DNER employees and administering questionnaires to sea cucumber fishermen. We recommend the DNER continue the investigation and consider implementing regulations on sea cucumber harvesting in order to prevent from exploitation in the future which could cause significant damage to the oceanic environment.