Genetic Study Reveals Black Teatfish Sea Cucumber Lifespan Exceeds 100 Years
What happened
A genetic study found that black teatfish sea cucumbers can live for over 100 years, significantly longer than the previously assumed lifespan of about ten years. The research, which utilized genetic mark-recapture methods, found that some individuals in a Great Barrier Reef no-take zone were the same as those sampled 24 years earlier.
From econews.com.au
Why it matters
The findings suggest that black teatfish populations recover much more slowly from fishing pressure than previously thought. Researchers warn that current harvest limits are unsustainable and risk the extinction of the species, which is already listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
From econews.com.au
Who's involved
- Southern Cross UniversityCollaborating university in the genetic study
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceAustralian tropical marine research centre involved in the study
- CITESMultilateral treaty governing international trade of endangered species
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The entities involved
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Southern Cross University
university in Australia
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Australian Institute of Marine Science
Australian tropical marine research centre
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CITES
multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals