International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 245-254 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 252 to a shift from communal to more exclusive household models to improve operational efficiency (Fabinyi et al., 2022). In northern Australia, improved release techniques for cultured sea cucumbers have shown promise in enhancing recovery rates and operational efficiency, which could translate into better economic outcomes for ranchers (Taylor et al., 2016). Furthermore, the successful growth and survival rates of Holothuria atra in Indonesia indicate that sea ranching can be a viable economic activity, contributing to local livelihoods and food security (Hartati et al., 2021). 7.1.3 Strategies for community involvement Community involvement is crucial for the success of sea cucumber ranching projects. Effective governance structures and community engagement can significantly influence the outcomes of these projects. In Papua New Guinea, community-based mariculture projects faced challenges such as poaching and weak local leadership, which hindered their success. However, involving local communities as 'wardens' to oversee sea pens and protect juvenile sea cucumbers has shown potential in improving survival rates and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members (Hair et al., 2016). Additionally, integrating community-based management with broader fisheries management and government support can enhance the sustainability and benefits of sea ranching projects (Fabinyi et al., 2022). 7.2 Economic viability The economic viability of sea cucumber ranching depends on several factors, including the species being cultured, the methods used, and the local environmental conditions. In China, the development of sea cucumber aquaculture has been highly successful due to advances in culture methods and the establishment of dedicated ponds and ocean ranching systems (Han et al., 2016). However, the economic viability of these operations can be threatened by environmental challenges and diseases, necessitating ongoing research and adaptation of practices. In northern China, assessing the ecological carrying capacity for stock enhancement is essential to ensure that ranching activities do not negatively impact ecosystem function and resilience, thereby supporting long-term economic viability (Wang et al., 2022). 7.3 Community engagement Community engagement is a cornerstone of successful sea cucumber ranching projects. Ensuring that local communities are actively involved in the planning, implementation, and management of these projects can lead to better outcomes and more sustainable practices. In the Philippines, the evolution of governance structures in community-based mariculture projects highlights the importance of adapting institutional arrangements to local contexts and challenges (Fabinyi et al., 2022). In Papua New Guinea, despite the initial failure of a community sea ranch due to poaching and governance issues, the widespread community approval and respect for the project indicate a strong potential for future success with improved management and support (Hair et al., 2016). Engaging communities through education, capacity building, and participatory governance can enhance the sustainability and socio-economic benefits of sea cucumber ranching. 8 Concluding Remarks Various studies have optimized sea ranching techniques for tropical sea cucumber aquaculture, revealing critical insights. Research indicates that the survival and growth of hatchery-reared sea cucumbers are significantly influenced by release methods and environmental conditions. For example, short-term predator exclusion did not consistently improve survival rates, indicating the need for site-specific strategies. In high-energy environments, chute release methods showed higher recovery rates compared to cage methods, highlighting the importance of choosing the appropriate release technique for success. Additionally, acclimation operations before release are recommended to improve survival rates, as sudden environmental changes can lead to high mortality. The development of community governance structures has also improved operational efficiency and livelihood outcomes, emphasizing the importance of institutional arrangements in sea ranching projects. Optimizing sea ranching techniques is vital for the sustainable development of tropical sea cucumber aquaculture. Effective sea ranching can alleviate pressure on wild stocks, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the protection of marine ecosystems. Improved techniques can enhance the economic viability of sea
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