Can Sea Cucumbers Make Mussel Farming More Circular?
What if the material accumulating beneath mussel farms could become a resource rather than a waste problem?
Researchers from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) are exploring this idea through the 2B-BLUE Greek Demonstration Site in the Thermaikos Gulf. By placing native sea cucumbers beneath mussel farms, the team is testing whether these natural recyclers can help reduce organic enrichment of the seabed. The results, presented on September 11th at the 2026 Thessaloniki International Fair, are encouraging. Sediments with sea cucumbers showed improved environmental conditions and lower levels of organic carbon and nitrogen compared with areas without them. The pilot tested two native species, Holothuria tubulosa and Holothuria mammata, under real farming conditions. The approach is part of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, where the by-products of one species can become resources for another. By combining mussel farming with sea cucumbers, 2B-BLUE is exploring a more circular and regenerative approach to Mediterranean aquaculture.
Photos: HCMR
