How to identify high-quality sea cucumbers? A reporter visited a local expert for insights. According to marine biologists, the quality of sea cucumbers is greatly influenced by their environment and breeding conditions. In recent years, as sea cucumber farming has expanded and production has increased, the issue of seed quality has become a major concern. The Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China has emphasized the importance of developing an original seed improvement system as part of aquaculture modernization efforts.
The national sea cucumber original seed farm is located in Zhangzidao Town, Changhai County, Dalian. This area is known for its rich natural sea cucumber population. The surrounding waters are effectively isolated, with no artificial seedlings introduced. As a result, all the sea cucumbers here are wild, making the region a key supplier of premium sea cucumber seedlings for the country.
Zhangzi Island lies on the 39th latitude, a globally recognized zone where marine life thrives due to the unique balance between cold and warm currents. This geographical advantage contributes to the exceptional quality of sea cucumbers found here. Many consumers are familiar with the superior quality of sea cucumbers from Zhangzidao, largely due to their location along this prime latitude.
One distinctive feature of sea cucumbers is their "summer dormancy." During the hot summer months, they burrow into the seabed and stop feeding, remaining inactive until autumn. As the water cools, they become more active. Therefore, the best time to harvest sea cucumbers is between September and October, when they have just emerged from their summer sleep. At this time, their bodies are cleaner, their walls are thicker, and their nutritional value is at its peak, resulting in higher processing yields.
According to the announcement issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (No. 167), the environmental requirements for Dalian sea cucumbers include specific geographic coordinates: east longitude 120°58′ to 123°31′, and north latitude 38°43′ to 40°12′. The average seawater temperature is 12.1°C, with a maximum of 25°C and a minimum of 1°C. Tidal range varies between 1.5 meters and 2 meters (up to 4 meters in some areas), and salinity ranges from 30‰ to 32‰, rich in nutrients. Zhangzi Island and its surrounding waters meet all these criteria, making them ideal for producing high-quality sea cucumbers.
Sea cucumbers from this region have a cylindrical shape, with a raised back covered in 4 to 6 rows of irregular conical tubercles. Their underside is flat, with dense tube feet arranged in a longitudinal pattern. The mouth is located on the ventral side, surrounded by 20 tentacles. They have a well-developed respiratory tree but lack a Vichy device. Their body color ranges from chestnut brown to gray-green, earning them the nickname "sea ginseng."
Today, consumers often rely on origin and appearance to determine the quality of sea cucumbers. By understanding the unique environmental factors that contribute to their growth, buyers can make more informed choices and ensure they are getting the best quality available.
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