The Brown Mottled Sea Cucumber (*Bohadschia marmorata*) is a marine invertebrate found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, notable for its elongated, leathery body with distinctive brown and cream mottling. Prized for its culinary and medicinal value, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, this species is harvested primarily through hand-gathering and diving. The top countries involved in the fishing and export of the Brown Mottled Sea Cucumber include Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea, with smaller contributions from India and Sri Lanka. These nations have developed significant sea cucumber fisheries, supplying both domestic markets and the lucrative export trade—especially to China and Hong Kong, where sea cucumbers are considered a delicacy. However, the high demand has led to concerns about overfishing and the need for sustainable management practices to protect wild populations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | New Zealand | 60 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.