# Holothuria leucospilota Population in Satang Besar Island, Sarawak, Malaysia

Authors: Mohd Nasarudin Harith; Muhammad Hasanol Isyraf Md Desa; Zaidnuddin Ilias
Journal: International Journal of Zoology
 (2018)

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## Abstract

Holothuria leucospilota or locally known as “Patola” is currently considered the most abundant sea cucumber species in Malaysia. This coral reef-dwelling species is not in danger of extinction in comparison to commercial sea cucumbers such as “gamat.” However, overfishing activities in addition to lack of fishing regulations in Malaysia could put this species at risk of extinction in the future. It is important to conduct research on the sea cucumber community in Sarawak because the data can be used as reliable information for future research. Therefore, this study is carried out to quantify and estimate theHolothuria leucospilota population from an intertidal area of Satang Besar Island, Sarawak, Malaysia. Ten stations surrounding the island were selected as the location for this study. A total number of 203 individuals ofHolothuria leucospilota were recorded and estimation of the population that inhabits the island’s intertidal area was 609 individuals. RELATE test showed relationships between species population and water parameters, namely, temperature, salinity, and pH. Results from this study are important as a baseline data that might contribute to the sustainable management of Sarawak, Malaysia’s sea cucumber in the future. Future work suggestions include addition of subtidal samples and other factors, namely, seawater nutrients and feeding environment, that should be done to better understand the population.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Holothuria leucospilota or locally known as Patola or bat puntil is currently considered as the most abundant sea cucumber species in Malaysia [1]. This species is usually found in coral reefs’ sandy area. This species is tolerant to air exposure over a long period of time and might be found in the area closest to the coast [2]. This species can be found inhabiting the coastal areas of subtropical and tropical oceans [3].Holothuria leucospilota is commonly found at the edge of reef flat shore in the intertidal area, where it occupies tidal pool with the depths ranging from several centimetres to a half metre or being fully exposed [4]. The posterior body ofHolothuria leucospilota possesses the capability of extension from under rock or a hole in the reef floor where it anchors for feeding [5].Morphologically,Holothuria leucospilota has uniformly black colour body. It is soft-bodied and equipped with fine protuberances. This species has shield-shaped tentacles which are placed under the order of Aspidochirotida from the family of Holothuriidae. To further confirm the species identity, ossicle shape from dorsal cuticles of the sample was observed.This coral reef-dwelling species is not in danger of extinction like the commercialStichopusspecies such asStichopus horrens that are locally known as gamat [2]. However, due to their widespread and high economic value [6], sea cucumbers in many countries are overfished due to the ease by which sea cucumbers can be collected from shallow reef flats during low tide [7]. Global exploitation of sea cucumbers to meet consumer demand is motivating a rising conservation concern [8–11]. Most tropical sea cucumber fisheries have come under intense fishing pressure in China due to growing human populations that lead to the increase in the demand of sea cucumber product [12]. Moreover,Holothuria leucospilota is listed as one of the edible species with functional ingredients in medicinal sector and also has low toxic effect [13]. The lack of fishing regulations in Malaysia such as the minimum legal permitted size for harvesting, closed season, and catch quota are potentially putting this species on threat in the future.Therefore, it is important to conduct research for the sea cucumber community in Sarawak because the data can be used as reliable information for future research. The information about sea cucumber population and aquatic ecosystem is essential for commercial use and conservation. The objective of this study is to quantify the population ofHolothuria leucospilota sea cucumber from intertidal area of Satang Besar Island, Sarawak, Malaysia.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Study Site

This study was conducted at the intertidal zone of Satang Besar Island, Sarawak. Satang Besar Island is situated in Talang-Satang National Park (Figure1). Talang-Satang National Park covers 19,414 hectares and was gazetted in 1999 to develop marine turtle conservation in Sarawak [14]. The boat ride to the park takes 30 minutes from Damai Beach, Sarawak Boat Jetty Club, or Telaga Air Jetty. A total number of 10 stations were selected (Table 1). Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record the location of each sampling station [1]. The sampling stations covered the intertidal area of Satang Besar Island.Table 1
Coordinates of sampling stations with their habitat description.
Station GPS Coordinate Description 1 N 01° 47’ 17.4” Large rocky shore with intertidal zone of 39 m E 110° 09’ 54.1” 2 N 01° 47’ 23” Medium rocky shore with intertidal zone of 48 m E 110° 09’ 50.3” 3 N 01° 46’ 59.9” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 75 m E 110° 09’ 48.4” 4 N 01° 46’ 56.7” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 68 m E 110° 09’ 46.2” 5 N 01° 46’ 53.7” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 114 m E 110° 09’ 44.0” 6 N 01° 46’ 49.8” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 84 m E 110° 09’ 37.1” 7 N 01° 46’ 53.9” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 63 m E 110° 09’ 23.6” 8 N 01° 46’ 55.6” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 32 m E 110° 09’ 21.8” 9 N 01° 47’ 3.2” Large rocky shore with intertidal zone of 30 m E 110° 09’ 13.8” 10 N 01° 45’ 17.0” Large rocky shore with intertidal zone of 34 m E 110° 09’ 34.2”Figure 1
A map of Malaysia showing the location of Sarawak and the 10 sampling sites of Satang Besar Island.


### 2.2. Sample Collection

Figure2 illustrated the line transect of 100 m used in each station [15]. Three quadrats measuring 10 m × 10 m were placed randomly along the transect line. Sea cucumbers found within the quadrat were counted, photographed, and identified. Basic physicochemical parameters, namely, temperature and pH, were also measured during sampling using HANNA Instruments (Model HI9146), while salinity was measured using hand refractometer (Model Milwaukee-MA887).Figure 2
Illustration of sampling plan.


### 2.3. Storage and Preservation

Fresh specimens of sea cucumbers collected were stored in ice boxes containing seawater during sampling period. In the laboratories, specimens were transferred into -20°C fridge freezer for storage and preserved in 70% ethanol [1].


### 2.4. Identification

Identification was based on the external morphology such as body shape and body colour and the existence of tube feet and tentacles. It was done by referring to previous studies by Conand [16], James [17], Kamarudin et al. [1], and Iliyas [2].


### 2.5. Estimation of Population

Estimation of population can be determined from collected data such as the size of study area, size of quadrat, and the number of sea cucumbers per quadrat [15]. Estimated population size for every station was determined using the following formula:(1)N=Aa×nwhere N is the estimated total population size. A is the total study area. a is the area of the quadrat. n is the mean number of sea cucumber per quadrat.


### 2.6. Species Density

Density of sea cucumber was determined from collected data such as the total number of individuals and the total area sampled [18]. Species density of sea cucumber for every station was determined using the formula below:(2)D=nAwhere D is density. n is total number of individuals of the species. A is total area sampled.


### 2.7. Statistical Analysis

Variances of sea cucumber abundance, pH, salinity, and water temperature between stations were tested with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), using PASW Statistics 18. Significant results (p < 0.05) were obtained and followed with a Tukey post hoc multiple range test [19].A simple RELATE test was also conducted to determine the relationship between species abundance and abiotic parameters. RELATE is the equivalent of a nonparametric Mantel test [20]; it assesses the degree of correspondence between matrices, and, via a randomization test, it provides a measure of statistical significance of the relationship [21]: the matrix of similarities between species abundances was compared with a matrix of the similarity between abiotic parameters. The significance of any correlation between matrices is assessed with a randomization test. This test was carried out using PRIMER 7 (V7.0.13).


## 2.1. Study Site

This study was conducted at the intertidal zone of Satang Besar Island, Sarawak. Satang Besar Island is situated in Talang-Satang National Park (Figure1). Talang-Satang National Park covers 19,414 hectares and was gazetted in 1999 to develop marine turtle conservation in Sarawak [14]. The boat ride to the park takes 30 minutes from Damai Beach, Sarawak Boat Jetty Club, or Telaga Air Jetty. A total number of 10 stations were selected (Table 1). Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record the location of each sampling station [1]. The sampling stations covered the intertidal area of Satang Besar Island.Table 1
Coordinates of sampling stations with their habitat description.
Station GPS Coordinate Description 1 N 01° 47’ 17.4” Large rocky shore with intertidal zone of 39 m E 110° 09’ 54.1” 2 N 01° 47’ 23” Medium rocky shore with intertidal zone of 48 m E 110° 09’ 50.3” 3 N 01° 46’ 59.9” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 75 m E 110° 09’ 48.4” 4 N 01° 46’ 56.7” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 68 m E 110° 09’ 46.2” 5 N 01° 46’ 53.7” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 114 m E 110° 09’ 44.0” 6 N 01° 46’ 49.8” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 84 m E 110° 09’ 37.1” 7 N 01° 46’ 53.9” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 63 m E 110° 09’ 23.6” 8 N 01° 46’ 55.6” Medium to small rocky shore with intertidal zone of 32 m E 110° 09’ 21.8” 9 N 01° 47’ 3.2” Large rocky shore with intertidal zone of 30 m E 110° 09’ 13.8” 10 N 01° 45’ 17.0” Large rocky shore with intertidal zone of 34 m E 110° 09’ 34.2”Figure 1
A map of Malaysia showing the location of Sarawak and the 10 sampling sites of Satang Besar Island.


## 2.2. Sample Collection

Figure2 illustrated the line transect of 100 m used in each station [15]. Three quadrats measuring 10 m × 10 m were placed randomly along the transect line. Sea cucumbers found within the quadrat were counted, photographed, and identified. Basic physicochemical parameters, namely, temperature and pH, were also measured during sampling using HANNA Instruments (Model HI9146), while salinity was measured using hand refractometer (Model Milwaukee-MA887).Figure 2
Illustration of sampling plan.


## 2.3. Storage and Preservation

Fresh specimens of sea cucumbers collected were stored in ice boxes containing seawater during sampling period. In the laboratories, specimens were transferred into -20°C fridge freezer for storage and preserved in 70% ethanol [1].


## 2.4. Identification

Identification was based on the external morphology such as body shape and body colour and the existence of tube feet and tentacles. It was done by referring to previous studies by Conand [16], James [17], Kamarudin et al. [1], and Iliyas [2].


## 2.5. Estimation of Population

Estimation of population can be determined from collected data such as the size of study area, size of quadrat, and the number of sea cucumbers per quadrat [15]. Estimated population size for every station was determined using the following formula:(1)N=Aa×nwhere N is the estimated total population size. A is the total study area. a is the area of the quadrat. n is the mean number of sea cucumber per quadrat.


## 2.6. Species Density

Density of sea cucumber was determined from collected data such as the total number of individuals and the total area sampled [18]. Species density of sea cucumber for every station was determined using the formula below:(2)D=nAwhere D is density. n is total number of individuals of the species. A is total area sampled.


## 2.7. Statistical Analysis

Variances of sea cucumber abundance, pH, salinity, and water temperature between stations were tested with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), using PASW Statistics 18. Significant results (p < 0.05) were obtained and followed with a Tukey post hoc multiple range test [19].A simple RELATE test was also conducted to determine the relationship between species abundance and abiotic parameters. RELATE is the equivalent of a nonparametric Mantel test [20]; it assesses the degree of correspondence between matrices, and, via a randomization test, it provides a measure of statistical significance of the relationship [21]: the matrix of similarities between species abundances was compared with a matrix of the similarity between abiotic parameters. The significance of any correlation between matrices is assessed with a randomization test. This test was carried out using PRIMER 7 (V7.0.13).


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Density ofHolothuria leucospilota

A total of 203Holothuria leucospilota have been enumerated from an intertidal area of Satang Besar Island (Figure 3). The highest density was from Station 7 with 2.6 individuals found in every 1 m2 (Figure 4). This is because most of the sea cucumber species search for shelter from wave action [22] and rocky shore is the preferable habitat besides coral reefs. The abundance of sea cucumber could be related to the type of food supply availability [23]. There was no sea cucumber found in Stations 1, 9, and 10. This is possibly due to high wave action where Stations 9 and 10 were located. There was no sea cucumber found in Station 1 which was characterized by large rocks but lack of seawater (Figure 4).Figure 3
Holothuria leucospilotafound from an intertidal area of Satang Besar Island.Figure 4
Density ofHolothuria leucospilota by station.


### 3.2. Population Estimate ofHolothuria leucospilota

Overall, there were approximately 609Holothuria leucospilota individuals from this survey. The population estimate was conducted according to sampling stations that were set up which were located at the intertidal area. This estimation was also based on the collected data of the total area of each station (150 m2), the size of quadrat (25 m2), and the number of sea cucumbers counted for each station. The estimation of population was not calculated from Stations 1, 9, and 10 since there were no sea cucumbers found (Figure 5).Figure 5
Population estimate ofHolothuria leucospilota from every station.Estimation of population by population surveys cannot reveal abundance of broad areas. Most of the estimation of population and abundance will be calculated using integrated data with Geographical Information Systems (GIS); however, this method can be costly and access to the technology is limited [24].


### 3.3. Water Quality Parameters

Water temperature readings from all stations ranged from 27.2°C to 40.8°C. The highest temperature was from Station 6 with 40.77°C while Station 10 had the lowest temperature with 27.2°C (Figure6). One-way ANOVA statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference in the value of temperature in all stations (Tukey Test, p < 0.05).Figure 6
Mean temperature from every station.The highest number of sea cucumbers was found in Station 7 has the second highest temperature reading range from 39°C to 40°C. The optimal temperature forHolothuria leucospilota differs from FAO Corporate Document Repository [25] which stated that 5°C to 15°C is the optimal temperature. The difference may be due to the difference of geographical locations where the sea cucumber was recorded [15].Salinity for all sampling stations was recorded in the range of 28.67 to 34.33 PSU. The highest salinity was recorded in Station 7 with salinity value of 34.33 PSU (Figure7). The lowest salinity was recorded in Station 10 with salinity value of 28.67 PSU. One-way ANOVA statistical analysis indicated that there was significant difference in salinity value of all stations (Tukey Test, p < 0.05). This implies that salinity in Satang Besar Island is favorable forHolothuria leucospilota where salinity ranged from 27 to 35 PSU as its optimum ranges [15].Figure 7
Mean salinity from every station.Water pH range from 8.47 to 9.47 was recorded throughout all stations. The highest pH was recorded in Station 6 with pH measured at 9.47 while the lowest pH was recorded in Station 8 with pH measured at 8.47 (Figure8). One-way ANOVA statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference of pH value in all stations (Tukey Test, p < 0.05).Figure 8
Mean pH from every station.


### 3.4. Relationship between Holothuria leucospilota Abundance and Abiotic Parameters

The results of RELATE tests indicated that there is a correlation betweenHolothuria leucospilota abundance and physicochemical parameters, namely, temperature, salinity, and pH (Spearman rank correlation statistic, Rho = 0.63) (Figure 9). Two of the 999 random permutations resulted in a correlation equal to or greater than the measured value of 0.63, indicating that the correlation was significant at the 0.05 level.Figure 9
RELATE test to observe significant relationship betweenHolothuria leucospilota community and environmental data. The histograms are the null permutation distributions of possible values for the RELATE match (Spearman ρs), in the absence of a biota-environment relationship. The observed ρs = 0.63 which is indicated by the dotted line on the right showed presence of the biota-environment relationship as the line is located outside the histograms.


## 3.1. Density ofHolothuria leucospilota

A total of 203Holothuria leucospilota have been enumerated from an intertidal area of Satang Besar Island (Figure 3). The highest density was from Station 7 with 2.6 individuals found in every 1 m2 (Figure 4). This is because most of the sea cucumber species search for shelter from wave action [22] and rocky shore is the preferable habitat besides coral reefs. The abundance of sea cucumber could be related to the type of food supply availability [23]. There was no sea cucumber found in Stations 1, 9, and 10. This is possibly due to high wave action where Stations 9 and 10 were located. There was no sea cucumber found in Station 1 which was characterized by large rocks but lack of seawater (Figure 4).Figure 3
Holothuria leucospilotafound from an intertidal area of Satang Besar Island.Figure 4
Density ofHolothuria leucospilota by station.


## 3.2. Population Estimate ofHolothuria leucospilota

Overall, there were approximately 609Holothuria leucospilota individuals from this survey. The population estimate was conducted according to sampling stations that were set up which were located at the intertidal area. This estimation was also based on the collected data of the total area of each station (150 m2), the size of quadrat (25 m2), and the number of sea cucumbers counted for each station. The estimation of population was not calculated from Stations 1, 9, and 10 since there were no sea cucumbers found (Figure 5).Figure 5
Population estimate ofHolothuria leucospilota from every station.Estimation of population by population surveys cannot reveal abundance of broad areas. Most of the estimation of population and abundance will be calculated using integrated data with Geographical Information Systems (GIS); however, this method can be costly and access to the technology is limited [24].


## 3.3. Water Quality Parameters

Water temperature readings from all stations ranged from 27.2°C to 40.8°C. The highest temperature was from Station 6 with 40.77°C while Station 10 had the lowest temperature with 27.2°C (Figure6). One-way ANOVA statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference in the value of temperature in all stations (Tukey Test, p < 0.05).Figure 6
Mean temperature from every station.The highest number of sea cucumbers was found in Station 7 has the second highest temperature reading range from 39°C to 40°C. The optimal temperature forHolothuria leucospilota differs from FAO Corporate Document Repository [25] which stated that 5°C to 15°C is the optimal temperature. The difference may be due to the difference of geographical locations where the sea cucumber was recorded [15].Salinity for all sampling stations was recorded in the range of 28.67 to 34.33 PSU. The highest salinity was recorded in Station 7 with salinity value of 34.33 PSU (Figure7). The lowest salinity was recorded in Station 10 with salinity value of 28.67 PSU. One-way ANOVA statistical analysis indicated that there was significant difference in salinity value of all stations (Tukey Test, p < 0.05). This implies that salinity in Satang Besar Island is favorable forHolothuria leucospilota where salinity ranged from 27 to 35 PSU as its optimum ranges [15].Figure 7
Mean salinity from every station.Water pH range from 8.47 to 9.47 was recorded throughout all stations. The highest pH was recorded in Station 6 with pH measured at 9.47 while the lowest pH was recorded in Station 8 with pH measured at 8.47 (Figure8). One-way ANOVA statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference of pH value in all stations (Tukey Test, p < 0.05).Figure 8
Mean pH from every station.


## 3.4. Relationship between Holothuria leucospilota Abundance and Abiotic Parameters

The results of RELATE tests indicated that there is a correlation betweenHolothuria leucospilota abundance and physicochemical parameters, namely, temperature, salinity, and pH (Spearman rank correlation statistic, Rho = 0.63) (Figure 9). Two of the 999 random permutations resulted in a correlation equal to or greater than the measured value of 0.63, indicating that the correlation was significant at the 0.05 level.Figure 9
RELATE test to observe significant relationship betweenHolothuria leucospilota community and environmental data. The histograms are the null permutation distributions of possible values for the RELATE match (Spearman ρs), in the absence of a biota-environment relationship. The observed ρs = 0.63 which is indicated by the dotted line on the right showed presence of the biota-environment relationship as the line is located outside the histograms.


## 4. Conclusion

A total number of 203 individuals ofHolothuria leucospilota were recorded from an intertidal area of Satang Besar Island, Sarawak, and the estimation of population that inhabits Satang Besar Island intertidal area was 609 individuals. Most of the population were found at rocky shores which are sheltered from strong waves. Based on the RELATE test, there are significant relationships between the species population and water parameters, namely, temperature, salinity, and pH.Further study with inclusion of samples from subtidal area and other factors that influence this species population including seawater nutrients and feeding biology could be conducted.



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*Source: 8047029-2018-08-05.xml*