The utilisation of sea cucumbers, including for human consumption, has been steadily growing over the years. Up-to-date information on the present status of world sea cucumber resources and utilisation is presented with special focus on countries such as China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines that have been heavily engaged in the industry for decades. Information from other countries such as Cuba, Egypt, Madagascar and the United Republic of Tanzania, relative newcomers to the sector, is also provided, indicating to some extent the growing interest with regard to the exploitation of holothurians for the demanding Asian markets. Details on the technical advances made in the artificial reproduction and farming of selected commercial species are presented.

This document includes the recommendations formulated during the FAO Fisheries Department Workshop on Advances in Sea Cucumber Aquaculture and Management held in Dalian, China, in October 2003, along with the technical papers presented. The report will be useful to those international and regional development organisations and national governments who wish to prioritise their activities concerning sea cucumber conservation and exploitation.