Sea cucumbers are exploited and traded in more than 70 countries worldwide. A new guide published by the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Commercially important sea cucumbers of the world, provides identification information on 58 species of sea cucumbers that are commonly exploited in artisanal and industrial fisheries around the world. Not all exploited species are included. Intended for fishery managers, scientists, trade officers and industry workers, this book contains key information identification sheets allowing readers to distinguish each species from similar species, both in live and processed (dried) forms.

Where available, the following information is included for each species: nomenclature together with FAO names and known common names used in different countries and regions; scientific illustrations of the body and ossicles; descriptions of ossicles present in different body parts; a colour photograph of live and dried specimens; basic information on size, habitat, biology, fisheries, human consumption, market value and trade; geographic distribution maps. The volume is fully indexed and contains an introduction, a glossary and bibliography.

This field guidebook, part of the FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes collection and produced by FAO FishFinder, benefitted from the collaboration of sea cucumber scientists worldwide as well as FAO expertise.