Bioecology study of Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) in the northern coastal area of Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract Holothuroidea is one of the marine biotas with crucial economic value in Asia and usually served fresh or dried various cuisines. Although it has significant market demand, potential sea cucumbers northern part Timor Island yet to be investigated. This study was carried out understand existing bioecological conditions investigate location’s suitability support development cucumber farming this area. The method employed bioecology followed a line transect quadrants perpendicular beach. Various water quality measurements were applied quantify location index. results observed four species Poanboun coastal area: Holothuria leucospilota, H. hilla, Bohadschia argus , atra (the order indicates highest lowest density abundance). substrate types area combination sandy, muddy sand, coral fragments, surrounded grapes macroalgae. region high index where secluded area, depth bed, temperature, salinity, pH, DO, wave are prime indicators suitability, by clarity current as secondary (quite supportive indicators).