Development of genetic tools to enhance sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) fisheries in Atlantic Canada

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The proposed collaboration between Dr. Don Stewart, his MSc. student Matthew Penney, and Ocean Pride**Fisheries Limited focuses on the development, optimization, and application of molecular genetic markers to**study the population structure and phylogeography of the sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, in the marine**waters around Nova Scotia. More specifically, the study will develop RADseq markers to assess genetic**variability and population genetic structure of sea cucumbers in this region.**Located in Lower Wedgeport, Nova Scotia, Ocean Pride Fisheries Limited is dedicated to the sustainable**harvesting, processing and exporting of high quality seafood to worldwide markets. One of their specialities is**sea cucumber. Ocean Pride processes up to 22000 kg per day of whole sea cucumber. Their factories employ**~5 full time staff and dozens of seasonal workers. They manage three vessels (with three crew each) that**harvest sea cucumbers. An additional four or five people unload the boats and two or three truck drivers deliver**these loads to the factory in Wedgeport. The factory processes sea cucumbers almost year-round. Ocean Pride**is currently the only full time processor of sea cucumbers in Atlantic Canada.**In keeping with the mandate of sustainable harvesting, fundamental data on the population genetic structure,**gene flow, and movement of sea cucumber within and among fishing areas is essential for long term planning.**The resulting data will be used to help develop a responsible management plan for this species.