With their long, lumpy body and leathery skin, your first thought upon seeing a sea cucumber probably isn't that it's a delicacy enjoyed by Emperors.

However, the unassuming little creatures are the foundation of a $4.4 billion global industry, and you can probably find them tucked away in your local Asian grocery.

Dr. Roger Sie-Maen Chong, a veterinary pathologist working with CSIRO's Aquaculture Research Team, has worked in aquatic animal biosecurity for over 20 years.

In this episode, Dr. Chong talks to Jayne Cuddihy about how the humble sea cucumber can help strengthen the oceans' most important ecosystems, and the work he's doing to boost the industry via educational resources for growers.

Further Resources:

• Read the article: Essential tools and proactive biosecurity measures for sustainable Sea Cucumber industry growth
• Fact sheet: Sea cucumber aquaculture – Maintaining water quality using ecotoxicology tools
• Sea cucumber health and biosecurity for aquaculture development
• Sea Cucumber Health and Biosecurity: Hatchery and Nursery Guide
• Sea Cucumber Health and Biosecurity: Ranching and Grow-Out Guide