How does dredging affect the Sea Cucumber?

Dredging can significantly impact sea cucumbers by disrupting their natural habitat and the benthic ecosystem they inhabit. The sediment disturbance can lead to increased turbidity, which may suffocate sea cucumbers or reduce their food availability by smothering the organic matter they feed on. Additionally, the physical removal of substrate can destroy breeding grounds and reduce overall population health. Consequently, dredging activities can lead to declines in sea cucumber populations and disrupt the ecological balance of marine environments.