Piran, Slovenia | February 5th, 2026
Testing sustainable sea cucumbers aquaculture in Slovenia
The National Institute of Biology (NIB) is developing a new approach to sustainable aquaculture by co-cultivating mussels and sea cucumbers. As part of this work, NIB has launched an indoor pilot test at its facilities in Piran using native Slovenian sea cucumbers (Holothuria tubulosa). The goal of the trial is to better understand how these organisms grow and survive under controlled conditions that mimic the natural seabed. Special baskets are lined with soft coastal sediments mixed with clean commercial sand, while unfiltered seawater continuously circulates to provide oxygen and nutrients.
Sea cucumbers were carefully collected by divers from Slovenian waters, measured, and placed into the baskets. After two months, researchers will assess their health and growth. The specimens will then be analyzed to extract valuable bioactive compounds, such as collagen, with potential biotechnological applications.
The results of this indoor test will support ongoing co-cultivation experiments and help guide future efforts to scale up sustainable aquaculture practices in Slovenia.
More information: https://2b-blue.interreg-euro-med.eu/slovenia-ds/
Photos: NIB
