Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

22.2.1 Collection and selection of broodstock

Brooders for the seed production needs to be collected from the natural habitat as there is no captive production of broodstock. Generally, large and healthy adults measuring more than 150mm are collected from the commercial catch. Most individuals can be collected by divers in shallow waters up to a depth of 10 m. The diving season for sea cucumbers is from October to March in the Gulf of Mannar and from March to October in Palk Bay. The brooders should not have any injuries or infestations with parasites. From the captured group only animals suitable for breeding based on their morphology and condition will be selected for the breeding. The selected brooders will be transported in filtered seawater with aeration to the hatchery.