Centenarian ‘earthworm of the sea’ threatened by overfishing

Key points

• Scientists have discovered that black teatfish sea cucumbers can live for over 100 years, with some studied specimens reaching that age. The finding, made by comparing DNA samples from the Great Barrier Reef over 24 years, has significant implications for sustainable fishing practices.
• Professor Steven Purcell from Southern Cross University warns that overfishing threatens these long-lived creatures, which play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
• The black teatfish is highly valued in Asian markets and is targeted by poachers in Australian marine parks.