Fisheries Infosite

Sea cucumber South-East (Chatham Rise) (SCC4)
Scientific name
Stichopus mollis

Physical characteristics

Sea Cucumber are often mottled brown, black and white. There are over 100 species of Sea Cucumber but only Stichopul mollis is currently fished. They can grow to a maximum length of 18-20 cm.

Life cycle

Sea Cucumber have a maximum age of 15 years. They reach maturity at 2 years of age and broadcast spawn from November to Febraury.

Habitat

Sea Cucumber are detritus feeders found throughout New Zealand waters, most commonly in the northeast, Fiordland, Marlborough Sounds and Stewart Island. They inhabit areas from rocky coastlines to sandy bottoms.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025