Australostichopus mollis, formerly Stichopus mollis, commonly known as brown sea cucumber or Australasian sea cucumber, is a species of sea cucumber that has stimulated interest for its fishery potential in the Southern Hemisphere, and for its capability to reduce waste produced by aquaculture. It is the sole species in the genus Australostichopus. Despite its ecological role and abundance in New Zealand coastal waters, the scarcity of knowledge regarding A. mollis biology and ecology has hindered the development of a stable fishery industry. Importantly, A. mollis represents promising business potential within an important Asian market.