A joint study by TRAFFIC and WWF-India sheds light on the significant threat faced by sea cucumbers in India due to illegal and unsustainable collection and trade. The report, titled “In Deep Waters: India’s Sea Cucumbers in Illegal Wildlife Trade,” discloses that between 2010 and 2021, at least 101.40 tonnes and 6,976 sea cucumber individuals were involved in illicit wildlife trade in the country. The findings, released ahead of World Fisheries Day on November 21, underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these marine species.
The research investigates the reasons behind the unsustainable trade, pinpointing the demand in East Asian and Southeast Asian markets as a primary driver. The ease of harvest and low processing costs, particularly through drying methods, have contributed to the negative impact on sea cucumbers in India. Seizure reports reveal Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia as the top three destinations for trafficked sea cucumbers from India.
To address the issue, the report proposes actionable measures, including recommendations for future research priorities, enhancing enforcement capacity by law enforcement agencies, developing policies, and promoting community engagement and awareness.
Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO of WWF-India, emphasizes the importance of strengthening protection and conservation measures for sea cucumbers in India. He stresses the need for timely enforcement actions to curb trafficking and illegal trade, coupled with targeted awareness campaigns in local languages to educate fisheries about the legal and conservation status of sea cucumbers.
Sea cucumbers play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by consuming decomposing organic matter and contributing recyclable nutrients for other marine life. Their feeding and excretion also increase seawater alkalinity, buffering against ocean acidification.
Despite approximately 200 sea cucumber species in India being protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and two species listed in CITES since 2020, illegal harvesting persists. TRAFFIC and WWF-India’s study indicates a concerning trend of illicit sea cucumber trade from India to neighbouring countries, potentially threatening the species’ future.
Dr. Merwyn Fernandes, Coordinator of TRAFFIC’s India Office and report author, highlights the ongoing illicit trade, with Tamil Nadu reporting the highest number of seizures (139), followed by other regions, including Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka, Manipur, and Kerala.
To comprehend the entire trafficking process, surveys were conducted in sea cucumber-rich areas, revealing varied collection and preservation methods across different regions. The insights gathered aim to aid enforcement agencies in detecting and combating the illegal trade of sea cucumbers.
