- Sea cucumbers are so popular in Asia they face extinction: Sea cucumbers are cousins of starfish and sea urchins, occurring in all of the major oceans and seas. Consumed in China and other Southeast Asian countries, they are appreciated for their soft texture, dietary and medicinal properties http://theconversation.com/sea-cucumbers-are-so-popular-in-asia-they-face-extinction-24011 7 comments science