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Since December 2024, the multi-agency project, Operation LUNAR, has been combatting illegal fishing in Australia's Northern Territory. In the short time since then, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized over six tonnes of sea cucumber, in addition to 500kg of other unspecified catch.
In the most recent seizure, an estimated two tonnes of sea cucumber were seized, before being returned to the sea following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
"ABF is committed to protecting our vulnerable marine resources and delicate ecosystems through the targeting of irregular foreign fishing in Australian waters," Acting Commander Griffin said, in a press release.
Whilst the magnitude of the unauthorised fishing operations may be alarming, the volume of sea cucumbers being targeted by fishers highlights a clear demand for them - a demand that aquaculture may be able to fulfil whilst leaving wild populations and ecosystems intact.
Globally, there is demand for over 70 species of sea cucumber, mostly from the genera Holothuria, Actinopyga, Bohadschia, Stichopus and Thelenota. Whilst the farming of these species is comparatively underdeveloped compared to other areas of the aquaculture industry, both in Australia and globally, the economic potential for development is strong.
Whether or not the sea cucumber farming industry will sea significant growth over the coming years remains to be seen, however, with potential prices as high as $190 per dry kilogram, depending on quality, size and species, there remains a gap in the market that aquaculture could certainly fill.
