RESEARCH PLAN

A. Rationale

There are around 1,200 known species of sea cucumber. They live in

salt water on or near the seafloor—sometimes partially buried beneath it.

They can be found in every ocean in the world, usually in the shallows

although there are some deep-water species (Sea Cucumber Poop Is

Surprisingly Good for the Ecosystem, n.d.). Sea cucumbers belonging to

the phylum Echinodermata are important marine invertebrates, generally

occur in the sandy substrates and rocky shores near the bottom of sea.

This review work has been attempted to make an interlink between

biological and socio-economical perspectives of sea cucumber because of

the high demand in the present world (Hasan et al., 2020). Their

nutritional value is attributed to their high protein content, essential

amino acids, and various bioactive compounds. However, marine pollution

poses a significant threat to the health and abundance of sea cucumber

populations (Purcell et al., 2013).

Pollution from various sources, including industrial waste,

agricultural runoff, and plastic debris, can alter the chemical composition

of seawater and sediment, impacting the growth, development, and

nutritional value of marine organisms (Wang et al., 2018). Sea cucumbers,

as benthic organisms, are particularly vulnerable to pollution, as they filter

and ingest sediment, potentially accumulating toxins and pollutants (Jang

et al., 2015).

This study focuses on comparing the nutritional value, chemical

composition, and morphology of sea cucumbers in Brgy. Odiongan, a less

polluted area, and Brgy. San Luis, a polluted area. By comparing the

abundance, length, weight, nutritional content and chemical composition

of sea cucumbers in these two locations, this research aims to understand

the potential effects of pollution on sea cucumber populations and their

suitability for human consumption.

B. Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of pollution on the

nutritional value and morphology of sea cucumbers in two distinct

locations: Brgy. Odiongan and Brgy. San Luis. The research will be guided

by the following objectives:

1. To compare the nutritional composition of sea cucumbers collected

from Brgy. Odiongan and Brgy. San Luis.

2. To examine the morphological differences between sea cucumbers

collected from Brgy. Odiongan and Brgy. San Luis.

3. To correlate the observed differences in nutritional value, chemical

composition and morphology with the levels of pollution in each

location.

Expected Outcomes

This study anticipates demonstrating a clear link between pollution

and the deterioration of sea cucumber nutritional value, chemical

composition and morphology. It is expected that sea cucumbers collected

from Brgy. San Luis, the location with higher pollution levels, will exhibit

lower levels of key nutrients compared to those from Brgy. Odiongan.

These deficiencies are likely to correlate with the dominant pollutants

present in the area. Additionally, sea cucumbers from Brgy. San Luis are

expected to show altered morphology, including smaller body size, thinner

tissue, and potentially deformities. The specific morphological changes are

likely to be linked to the type and intensity of pollution in Brgy. San Luis.

The study expects to find a significant positive correlation between

pollution levels and the observed changes in sea cucumber nutritional

value and morphology, indicating a decline in both as pollution increases.

Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential risks

associated with pollution on this valuable marine resource and contribute

to the understanding of the ecological impacts of pollution on marine

ecosystems.

C. List of Materials

 Ruler

 Sea cucumber

 Weighing scale

Procedures

This study will employ a comparative approach, using a combination

of field sampling and laboratory analysis.

Field Sampling:

1. Site Selection: Two study sites will be selected: Brgy. Odiongan, and

Brgy. San Luis.

2. Sea Cucumber Collection: Sea cucumbers will be collected from both

sites using standardized sampling techniques (transect line and quadrant

method), ensuring a representative sample size.

3. Morphological Data (Arriesgado et al., 2022)

The length, and weight of collected sea cucumbers will be recorded

for each site. Each sea cucumber was fully submerged in a container with

seawater to regain its “relaxed state” for length measurements. The total

length (in cm) of each sea cucumber was measured from the mouth to

anus using a tape measure. Extra care was taken during the measurement

to avoid body contraction. The total bodyweight of each sea cucumber

was measured using a digital weighing scale (5-kg capacity; 1-g

precision).

a. Length-Weight (Ahmed et al.,2018)

Measuring the total length of sea cucumbers uses a ruler with an

accuracy of 0.1 cm, while measuring the weight of sea cucumbers uses a

digital scale with an accuracy of 0.1 gram. Analysis of the relationship

between length and weight of sea cucumbers with the regression equation

proposed by Ahmed et al.,(2018)

W=aLb

Where W is the total weight of the individual (grams), L is the total

length (cm), a is the regression intercept, and b is the slope of the curve.

The growth criteria for sea cucumbers are categorized as isometric growth

if the b value = 3, positive allometric growth if the b value>3 and

negative allometric growth if the b value <3.

The condition factors analyzed in this research are Relative Weight

(Wr) and Fulton Condition Factor (K). The relative weight condition factor is

calculated based on the Richter (2007) equation:

Wr= (TW/Ws) x 100

Where Wr is the relative weight, TW is the total weight of sea cucumbers,

and Ws is the standard weight predicted from existing samples, calculated

from a combined length-weight regression through distance between

species with the equation: Ws= aLb

Laboratory Analysis:

1. Nutritional Analysis: Collected Sea cucumbers will be analyzed for their

nutritional content, including protein, fat, and carbohydrate.

2. Chemical Composition Analysis: Samples will be analyzed for the

presence of mercury, lead and cadmium.

Risk and Safety

This study, while aiming to provide valuable insights into the impact

of pollution on sea cucumbers, involves inherent risks and safety

considerations. Here are some key risks and safety measures:

Exposure to harmful marine organisms: Researchers may encounter

jellyfish, venomous fish, or other potentially dangerous marine life while

collecting samples. Researchers should wear appropriate protective gear,

including wetsuits, gloves, and footwear, to minimize exposure to hazards.

Water conditions: Strong currents, rough seas, and potential

contamination with pollutants can pose risks to researchers in both Brgy.

Odiongan and Brgy. San Luis. Researchers must be aware of weather

conditions and avoid collecting samples during inclement weather.

Sample contamination: Handling and processing of sea cucumber

samples requires careful attention to avoid contamination and ensure

accurate analysis. Researchers should utilize safe and effective sampling

techniques to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure sample integrity.

Data Analysis
 D. Bibliography

Ahmed, Q., Poot-Salazar, A., Ali̇, Q. M., & Bat, L. (2018). Seasonal Variation

in the Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factor of Four

Commercially Important Sea Cucumbers Species from Karachi Coast-

Northern Arabian Sea. Natural and Engineering Sciences, 3(3), 265–

281. https://doi.org/10.28978/nesciences.468667

Jang, M. H., Lee, J. S., & Choi, J. S. (2015). Bioaccumulation and depuration

of heavy metals in sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus) exposed to

contaminated sediments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 96(1-2), 192-198.

Purcell, S. W., Mercier, A., Conand, C., Hamel, J., Toral‐Granda, M. V.,

Lovatelli, A., & Uthicke, S. (2011). Sea cucumber fisheries: global

analysis of stocks, management measures and drivers of

overfishing. Fish and Fisheries, 14(1), 34–

59. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2979.2011.00443.x

Rahman, M. A., Chowdhury, S. H., Hasan, M. J., Rahman, M. H., Yeasmin, S.

M., Farjana, N., Molla, M. H. R., & Parvez, M. S. (2020). Status,

Prospects and Market Potentials of the Sea Cucumber Fisheries with

 Special Reference on Their Proper Utilization and Trade. Annual

Research & Review in Biology, 84–101.

https://doi.org/10.9734/arrb/2020/v35i730250

Sea cucumber poop is surprisingly good for the ecosystem. (n.d.). [Video].

Animals.https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/f

acts/sea-cucumbers

Wang, W., Liu, Y., Wang, H., & Zhang, G. (2018). The impact of marine

pollution on the growth and development of marine organisms.

Science of the Total Environment, 630, 1250-1261.