Viability of induced spawning of Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea

advances toward sustainable mariculture in Santa Catarina

Abstract

Sea cucumbers play fundamental ecological roles in marine ecosystems, but due to their high commercial value, several species have been subject to intense fishing exploitation. The development of technologies for cultivating sea cucumbers emerges as a sustainable alternative, with the induction of spawning being an essential step for larviculture and juvenile production. This study presents the results of spawning inductions for Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea, a species of commercial interest and the target of indiscriminate fishing in Brazil. Between 2021 and 2025, 45 inductions were performed, testing combinations of physical, mechanical, and biological stimuli. In experiments conducted until 2023, the applied methods, which are effective for other species, showed low efficiency for H. grisea. Experiments carried out after 2024, including maintenance in a recirculating system for 5 to 7 weeks, combined with greater temperature variations, resulted in a significant increase in gamete release, enabling fertilization. These results indicate that prolonged laboratory conditioning favors gonadal maturation and increases spawning success. The results, combined with the feasibility of larval culture and the recent production of juveniles, open new perspectives for the cultivation of sea cucumbers in Brazil.