Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, or IMTA, attempts to reduce or eliminate nutrient loading by introducing lower trophic organisms to consume waste matter. These organisms should be capable of consuming bottom detritus with dissolved and particulate organic matter such as feces and unconsumed feed from upper trophic species. The viability of sea cucumber integration into land-based aquaculture production facilities was investigated and discussed. The focus of the study was on the role of the sea cucumber as an ecosystem service. Consumption of nutrient-loaded waste is essential in reducing eutrophication and maintaining an ecological balance. I worked with Kauai Sea Farm’s (KSF) Dave Anderson (MAS MBC ’16), investigated and compiled the most recent findings in integrating sea cucumbers into their aquaculture farm at Nomilo Fishpond with a focus on sediment analysis and comparison of biomass of sea cucumbers used in this study.

The primary goal of this preliminary study was to investigate the potential benefit of integrating sea cucumbers into existing aquaculture systems to clean up and reduce waste and at the same time improve environmental outcomes. This study highlights the viability of sea cucumber integration into land-based aquaculture farms, which addresses the value of waste reprocessing,and will significantly impact the future success of aquaculture farms.

Please see media created in support of this project here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/13539350ebe648baa3b3ab1a1fb61e8a