An artificial oyster-shell reef for the culture and stock enhancement of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, in shallow seawater

Because of its high nutritional value and health benefits, aquaculture production of Apostichopus japonicus in China is the largest of any single species. Therefore, the development of new farming methods is of considerable significance. In this study, discarded oyster shells have been used to create an artificial reef for the culture of this species. The results have shown that from 6th March 2009 to 26th November 2009, the wet weight of sea cucumber increased from 49.57 +/- 1.16 to 79.87 +/- 1.46g ind(-1). Between 16th July and 18th October, the specific growth rate and daily weight gain of A.japonicus differed significantly from other periods. Population density was higher within the reef compared with outside the reef area, and the difference was significant (P<0.01). The maximum distance between A.japonicus individuals within the reef area on 3rd March and 16th July was 65.0 +/- 3.3 and 62.9 +/- 4.4cm, respectively, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The diatom species attached to the oyster shells were similar to those found in the stomach content of A.japonicus. In conclusion, the oyster-shell reef provides a suitable habitat and shelter for the culture of the sea cucumber, A.japonicus.