Exploring new commercial opportunities for Arctic echinoderms: an ecological and nutritional assessment

Morrison, Rachel (2025) Exploring new commercial opportunities for Arctic echinoderms: an ecological and nutritional assessment. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Echinoderms are distributed throughout the world oceans where they take part in pivotal ecosystem functions. They are also highly valuable resources, traded for their health benefits and cultural importance, especially in Asia. Given their value, harvesting efforts are expanding globally. In the Canadian Arctic, the development of fisheries is being explored around two echinoderm species, the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa and green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. While both species are currently harvested in eastern Canada, fundamental knowledge, including general ecology and commercial value, of Arctic populations is limited. The present thesis sought to address this knowledge gap. The first study utilized surveys conducted with a portable remotely operated vehicle (ROV) within Qikiqtait (traditional name for Belcher Islands, Nunavut), to assess population metrics and habitat usage in C. frondosa and S. droebachiensis. There was significant inter-site variation. Sea cucumbers were found in higher densities at the deepest sites (33 m) with gravel and rubble substrates and high levels of suspended particulate matter. Sea urchins, conversely, were denser on shallower seabeds (23 m) dominated by red coralline algae. Size distributions showed sea cucumbers predominantly ranged from 6-10 cm in length, while sea urchins were mainly 3-4 cm in test diameter. The number and size of aggregations increased with density in both species. The second study compared the phenotypic characteristics of C. frondosa sampled in Nunavut versus Newfoundland. Despite similar total body weights, Newfoundland sea cucumbers had heavier gonads and body walls, whereas Nunavut individuals displayed unique pigmentation and biochemical profiles. Muscle bands of sea cucumbers sampled in Nunavut had lower protein and lipid contents but higher ω-3 fatty acids, fatty acid unsaturation, proline, vitamin A, carbohydrates, and astaxanthin levels. Together, the two studies provide insights into the Arctic populations of C. frondosa and S. droebachiensis, helping to assess their commercial potential, while highlighting how the local environment may influence the ecology of these valuable echinoderms. Ultimately, the findings offer baseline information in the face of a rapidly changing Arctic environment, while acting as a foundation for future research related to the management of benthic resources around Qikiqtait.

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