Reproductive cycle of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali (Holothuriida: Holothuriidae) in the Ría de Vigo (NW of Spain)

Introduction: The exploitation of the sea cucumber (Holothuria (Panningothuria) forskali) in Ría de Vigo (NW Spain) is recent (2015) and it has been done until now with scarce or no information about some key biological aspects as reproduction, recruitment growth. Objective: To describe reproductive cycle H. forskali Vigo. Methods: We sampled fortnightly throughout 2018. calculated gonadal condition indices (GCI) gametogenic stages by classic histological methods. Results: characterized a sexual resting stage during spring, when temperature daylight hours are lower; beginning gametogenesis summer, higher, longer bottom rich nutrients; then, period spawns interspersed restoration autumn winter, lower food scarce. Sex ratio 1:1, however, studied population not synchronized, because females initiate maturation earlier. comparison results GCI suggest that good indicator for stage. Fishery management strategies, such closure period, must be adapted to recommend avoiding fishing between November February increase spawning potential and, consequently, recruitment.