RATIONALE

Sea cucumbers, despite their economic and ecological values, receive little scientific and conservation attention in the Philippines. While there have been diversity studies on sea cucumbers done in the country, they are, however, geographically biased towards the northern and central Philippines. Little attention is given to Mindanao, specifically in the southern portion, where Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) is situated. 

Understanding the diversity of sea cucumbers in SBPS is important for the management of commercially valuable species, especially since anecdotal evidence of sea cucumber trade with middlemen has been recorded.  A total of 11 Philippine species are already listed on the IUCN Red List, nine of which are found in shallow-water habitats. If preferences will shift to low-value or previously unexploited species, local exploitation of these resources will negatively affect sea cucumber communities in the bay.