The effect of sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa (G., 1788) on nutrient and sediment of Aegean Sea shores.

The effects of sea cucumber, Holothuria tubulosa, on sediment of hypereutrophic conditions were investigated. Research was designed as two groups with 3 replicates. And data determined from sea cucumber groups were compared to that of the control. Water samples and sediment samples were analyzed three times in a week with respect to nitrogenous materials and organic carbon. The differences between the initial and final concentrations of % C, ammonium, nitrate and nitrite were significant (p < 0.05) at the end of the 84 days of experiment. The data from the present study showed that sea cucumber played an important role in the refreshing of sea water. Therefore, it can be suggested that sea cucumbers might be successfully used for the improvement of coastal regions especially in the areas with fish farming.