Norway to export sea cucumbers

As the seabed along Norway’s coast abounds with sea cucumbers, Norwegians are now eyeing exports to China, which could be worth millions.

There are 31 species found along the Norwegian coast, from 20 to 1,200 metres deep. Local fishermen usually discard the sea cucumbers.

But they’re rich in proteins and vitamins A, B and C, and sea cucumbers can be eaten raw, fried or boiled. Sea cucumbers are considered to be a highly desirable health food product in Asia and a boost to sexual performance.

“The Chinese have eaten sea cucumbers for hundreds of years and they cannot manage to satisfy demand from their own catch and farming. So there can be a market for Norwegian sea cucumbers there,” said researcher Margareth Kjerstad at Møre Research centre in Norway.