New insights upon the reproductive biology of the sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) in the Mediterranean: Implications for management and domestication

Holothuria tubulosa is one of the most common sea cucumber species inhabiting Mediterranean Sea. Due to its commercial interest for international market, it has been harvested without proper management causing overexploitation stocks. Inadequate also caused by lack information on basic biology and ecology not allowing estimating vulnerability resilience growing anthropogenic pressures. In this paper, we have investigated life-history traits H. (population structure reproductive cycle) in a population Central-Western (Sardinia, Italy). A macroscopic maturity scale both sexes was defined through an instrumental colorimetric analysis gonads ramification level gonad’s tubules, subsequently confirmed histological analysis. The seasonal trend Gonado-Somatic Index, changes color tubules indicated that spawning period concentrated summer with peak late August, closely related increase water temperature. synchronous development gonads, unique short event during year, detected. conclusion, study provides new evidence biological ecological features , essential data developing scientifically-based stock assessment as well conservative at local scale. Finally, provided domestication broodstock hatchery.