Indian Coast Guard Seizes ₹58 Lakh Worth of Sea Cucumbers in Tamil Nadu
On April 13, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a significant anti-poaching operation in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, resulting in the seizure of 145 kilograms of illegally harvested sea cucumbers. The consignment is estimated to be worth ₹58 lakh in the international market. This operation highlights the increasing vigilance of maritime authorities in curbing illegal exploitation of marine wildlife.
Sea Cucumbers: Protected Yet Targeted
Sea cucumbers are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting them the highest level of legal protection in India. These marine creatures play a vital ecological role in nutrient cycling and seabed health. However, they remain a prime target for poachers due to their high demand in Southeast Asian markets, where they are considered a delicacy and are believed to have medicinal properties.
The thriving black market trade in sea cucumbers poses a grave threat to marine ecosystems and undermines conservation efforts. Their slow reproduction rate further exacerbates the risk of population decline.
Ongoing Crackdown on Marine Poaching
The operation in Ramanathapuram forms part of a broader, intensified crackdown on marine poaching activities across India’s coastal states. By targeting illegal wildlife trade networks, the Indian Coast Guard aims to strengthen the enforcement of maritime and environmental laws.
Authorities have also been conducting awareness campaigns among fishing communities to prevent inadvertent involvement in protected species trade and have stepped up surveillance in known trafficking hotspots.
Conclusion
The seizure of 145 kg of sea cucumbers underscores the persistent threats facing India’s marine biodiversity. It also reflects the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and preserving the delicate balance of the country’s coastal ecosystems. Continued vigilance, strict enforcement, and public cooperation remain key in the fight against marine poaching.
