Densité et diversité des holothuries de la zone lagunaire du sud du port de Sidi Daoud (Tunisie)

Abstract

Four species of Holothurian, (Holothuria tubulosa, H. polii; H. sanctori and H. forskali ) was studied over two months period at south Sidi Daoud port, (east Tunis gulf ) in order to estimate the population density and its biometry. The overall density of sea cucumbers has been estimated at 1.12 specimens /100 m² and the global stock of 4 species was around 7366 individuals. Biometric variables of the population seem to be correlated with the depth and the quality of the seabed. We propose a commercial limit of 50 sea cucumbers per day, only three months of the year. This conservative proposal could be reviewed once more information is known on the ecological impact of this fishing.