#over harvest sea cucumber

Harvesting spiked earlier this year when collectors virtually cleared some near-shore waters on Maui and Oʻahu of the creatures which are considered the “vacuum cleaners of the ocean.”

The state is considering implementing a permanent rule to prevent the over harvest of sea cucumbers, and will soon schedule public meetings to discuss the issue with residents across the state.

Photos show inflatable boats full of the delicacy being brought to shore at Kaiona Beach in Waimanalo, a practice that Ocean Defender Hawaiʻi says has been going on for four consecutive days. In some countries they are highly prized as a food source and for medicinal purposes; so there is a commercial market for certain individuals to harvest as many sea cucumbers, as quickly as they can.