Note
High primary production, constant tidal flushing, and habitat diversity all help
to support a large number of sea cucumber species in the San Juan
Archipelago. At least twelve species representing four of the six orders of
holothuroids (Dendrochirotida, Aspidochirotida, Apodida, and Molpadiida)
occur in relatively high densities within diving range (30 m) in this region.
The majority of local sea cucumbers have separate sexes , broadcast their
gametes, and produce a non-feeding, planktonic larva. Most free-spawning
species reproduce from late winter to late spring and brooding species spawn
in late fall and early winter.