Sea cucumber aquaculture, farming eyed

SAIPAN - The Governor's Office has asked the Department of Lands and Natural Resources to look into the possibility of establishing a sea cucumber farm in the CNMI in hopes the industry will take off and help boost the local economy.

DLNR Secretary and CNMI veterinarian Ignacio T. dela Cruz disclosed that his office was recently asked by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to make a feasibility study allotting an area on the island for the culturing of sea cucumbers. He was also asked to identify the economic advantages of these farms for the Commonwealth.

Dela Cruz said that, if this project pushes through, appropriate government agencies would have to designate an area on the island for the farm.

The DLNR secretary said this move was prompted when investors from Hong Kong expressed interest in establishing the business here in the CNMI.

He said the farm would have to create its own breeding ground and reproduction techniques. This research will also tackle the hatchery and culture techniques of the sea cucumber.

Source: Saipan Tribune