Initiating a North Atlantic Network on Sustainable Holothurian Technology and InnovationInitiating a North Atlantic Network on Sustainable Holothurian Technology and Innovation

SEA CUCUMBER PUBLIC OPINION QUESTIONNAIRE

Sea cucumbers are marine animals belonging to the same evolutionary group (marine echinoderms) as sea urchins and sea stars but have some specific features like typical “cucumber-type” shape. Sea cucumbers contain high levels of minerals and nutrients, considered as beneficial for human health.

In Asia, sea cucumbers are considered as a traditional and healthy seafood and different “gourmet” food products are marketed with them as a base. Their popularity has rendered wild Asian sea cucumbers endangered and aquaculture has been developed for some species.

In the Atlantic Ocean sea cucumbers are an important by-catch of several commercial fishing activities, in most of the countries. However, these bycatches can currently not be used due to the lack of corresponding legislative permissions as well as clear idea about consumer interest in foods based on these animals in Europe.

We will be grateful for your help in evaluating the interest of society in these animals and the possible uses of the bycatches for food development. Please fill in the questionnaire below, it is completely anonymous and will only take 5 minutes of your time. Thank you in advance! 

Please, look at the photos available at HOLOSUSTAIN’s gallery on our site for a visual appreciation of sea cucumbers from different species.

  

Questions marked with * should be filled in prior to submitting the questionnaire. The rest of the questions are optional.

1. * Knowledge and experience with consuming sea cucumber

 Yes No
I have seen a sea cucumber
I have tried foods with sea cucumber
I have tasted sea cucumber or food containing it many times

2. * Rate your knowledge about sea cucumbers in a scale of 1 to 7

1 - I didn´t know what sea cucumbers were until now
7 - I have an expert-level knowledge about sea cucumbers

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
My knowledge about sea cucumbers can be rated to

3. Attitude towards consuming sea cucumber

Optional answer - Only if you have ever tried foods containing sea cucumber

1 - disagree
7 - agree

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
My experience with sea cucumbers has been positive
I found the food to be tasty
I would consume it again

4. Please state briefly what kind of sea cucumber product or preparation you have tried

Optional answer - Only if you have ever tried foods containing sea cucumber

5. * I haven’t tried but think consuming sea cucumber or foods containing sea cucumber would be:

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 Unpleasant — 7 Pleasant
1 Bad — 7 Good
1 Unsatisfactory — 7 Satisfactory
1 Dull — 7 Exciting
1 Unfavorable — 7 Favorable
1 Dislikable — 7 Likeable

6. * Intention / willingness to try:

1 - disagree
7 - agree

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
I am willing to try sea cucumber or foods containing sea cucumber
I intend to try sea cucumber or foods containing sea cucumber in the near future
I would buy a product containing sea cucumber

Demographic questions

7. * What is your gender:

8. * Age:

9. * Educational level:

10. * Country