Investigation of density and biodiversity indices of sea cucumbers in Pozm Bay (west of Chabahar Bay)

In this study, the density and species diversity of sea cucumber in the Pozm bay in the north of the Oman Sea and adjacent to the Chabahar bay of Iran in three seasons of spring, autumn and winter were studied. Sampling was done by diving method in an area of 314 square meters in Pozm bay in five stations with different substrates. The samples were identified after transfer to the laboratory with the help of valid identification keys and the species Holothuria leucospilota, H. arenicola, H. atra and Stichopus variegatus were identified and H. leucospilota was identified as the dominant species in the region. Shannon, Margalf, Simpson and Pilo indices were used to study the species diversity of sea cucumber. The results showed that the highest density was recorded in winter 94 with an average of 4.64 73 0.73 in 314 square meters and the lowest in spring with an average of 0.419. 1.8 in 314 square meters. Also Shannon (0.12 ± 0.97, 0.25 ± 1.16, 0.23 ± 1.16), Margalof (0.11 ± 1.46, 0.09 ± 1.69, 0.21 ± 1.61), Simpson (0.04 ± 0.356, 0.07 ± 0.164, 0.01 ± 0.245) and Pilo ( 0.11 ± 0.112, 0.08 ± 0.837, 0.18 ± 0.91) showed different values in winter, spring and autumn, respectively. Therefore, different species of sea cucumbers in the Pozm bay were identified with species richness and low density that if proper conservation and exploitation measures are not taken, the current stocks of sea cucumber in this ecosystem will be severely reduced.