Density and biometry of the exploited holothurian holothuria tubulosa at the dodecanese , south aegean sea

The edible holothurian, Holothuria tubulosa, was studied over a two-year period at the Dodecanese, South Aegean, in order to estimate the population density and biometry. Dense populations of the species were found at 3 islands, in shallow waters and very sheltered bays, in proximity to aquacultures. The biometric variables of the studied population differed among the islands; this pattern was linked to the trophic status of each area and the local fisheries. Considering the small size of the studied population and its low density, compared with other Mediterranean sites, it seems that H. tubulosa has been over-exploited at the Dodecanese.