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The taxonomy and exploitation of sea cucumbers in Malaysia

This article on the taxonomy and exploitation of sea cucumbers in Malaysia is an informative article showcasing the statistics of sea cucumbers in Malaysia from 1982 to 1995, be it the exportation and importation of sea cucumbers. The article surveyed different regions in Malaysia, especially the ones that are geographically-distinct areas such as Langkawi island, Pangkor island and Tioman island.

From digesting the article, it helps in the understanding of the demand for sea cucumber in Malaysia, especially when Langkawi island prides itselves with the dominant sea cucumber oil industry. To sustain the high demand for the sea cucumber oil, it was reported in the article that “The product eventually became so popular that around the mid-1940, Langkawi traders began to import sea cucumbers from Thai fishermen”. This emphasises the importance of maritime trade on sea animals between neighbouring countries, which in this case would be between Thailand and Malaysia. However, this could also mean that there were practices of over intensive fishing practices in Langkawi which had a negative impact on the local sea cucumber populations.

Overview of sea cucumber and sea ranching practices in China

This secondary source helps in the understanding of the sea cucumber in a wider perspective -  going away from the Malay perspective on the benefits of sea cucumber. The history of sea cucumber consumption could be traced back all the way to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) where sea cucumber was recorded in the Bencao Gangmu, a famous materia medica written by Li Shizhen. Sea cucumber was denoted as a tonic and a traditional medicine in many ancient writings such as Shiwu Bencao, Bencao Gangmu Shiyi, Wuzazu and Bencao Congxin - in which it was dated in Ming and Qing Dynasty.

Going back to the main idea of the topic presentation, we could then understand the “linearage” of sea cucumber and the uses of sea cucumber in different countries, which in this case is between Malaysia and China. Despite the vast differences in uses of the sea cucumber, there is a commonality that the sea cucumber has various health benefits.

Fisheries, trade and utilization of sea cucumbers in Malaysia 

The exploitation of sea cucumbers in Malaysia has implications for the maritime world, particularly for the sustainability of sea cucumber populations and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. Overfishing of sea cucumbers can lead to the depletion of populations, which can have cascading effects on the ecosystem. Additionally, the trade and utilisation of sea cucumbers can have economic impacts on the fishing industry and the communities that rely on it. The report notes that the trade of sea cucumbers is an important source of income for many coastal communities in Malaysia, and that the demand for sea cucumbers in international markets has led to increased exploitation of this resource. Therefore, it is important to manage sea cucumber fisheries sustainably to ensure their long-term viability and to support the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

Serial Exploitation of Global Sea Cucumber Fisheries 

The overfishing of sea cucumbers is a significant issue in many maritime countries, as they are a valuable commodity that is in high demand. The journal highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to managing these fisheries, which considers the broader ecosystem and the long-term survival of the species. The authors suggest that this approach could help to address the current overfishing crisis and ensure that sea cucumbers continue to play an important role in the maritime economy. 

Jewel of the seabed: sea cucumbers as nutritional and drug candidates

In the journal, Kiew Peck Loo, and Mashitah Mat Don explored the potential of sea cucumbers as a source of nutrition and medicinal compounds. The authors note that sea cucumbers have long been used in traditional medicine in many cultures such as the Chinese and Malay, and recent research has shown that they contain a variety of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. These compounds include polysaccharides, glycosides, and peptides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Influence of the Oil Phase on the Wound Healing Activity of Sea Cucumber Extract Based Cream Formulations 

Sea cucumber extract has been found to have wound healing properties, and this study highlights the importance of the oil phase in enhancing its activity. Sea cucumbers are marine animals that are commonly found in the ocean, and they have been used in traditional medicine for their various health benefits. This study's findings could have implications for the development of new wound healing creams that utilise sea cucumber extract and different types of oil phase to enhance their activity. Overall, this study provides insight into the potential of sea cucumber extract as a wound healing agent and the importance of the oil phase in its formulation.

Aktivitas Gel Kombinasi Ekstrak Rimpang Kunyit Dan Gel Gamat Terhadap Penyembuhan Luka 

This reading supports the earlier secondary source, “Influence of oil phase on the wound healing activity of sea cucumber extract  based cream foundations” whereby the reading helps in the understanding of the benefits of using sea cucumber in a more scientific manner than just understanding it from word of mouth. This accentuates the reliability of minyak gamat benefits and goodness which helps to answer doubts and queries from people who find the idea of sea cucumber being beneficial absurd. Additional information which has no relations to the main idea of the topic proposal would be that the study showed that the combination mixture of turmeric extract and gamat get has a significant effect on wound healing.