Growing demand for beche-de-mer in the marine export market has naturally led to considerable debate among fishery biologists in our country on the problem of irrational exploitation of the natural stock. Along the Tamil Nadu coast Holothuria scabra is fished for beche-de-mer preparation. Studies on the size at first maturity indicated that the spawning size is 201-230 mm and this size group after processing attains a reduced size of 73-80 mm. Revival of the natural stock can take place and this would help in encountering specimens beyond the size of 75 mm in length. More studies are required on the biology of Holothurians to determine precisely the period of maturity and spawning in different species in a year and it is advisable to observe a 'closed season' each year to conserve the holothurian resources
