The Poaching of Sea Cucumbers: How Organised Crime is Exploiting a Valued Marine Species

Sea cucumbers are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ocean floor. However, these slow-moving creatures are also highly valued for their perceived aphrodisiac qualities and are increasingly being targeted by organized crime for the illegal wildlife trade. The poaching of sea cucumbers not only undermines the balance of the marine environment, but it also poses a serious threat to the seabed, which is home to a wealth of natural treasure. In this blog post, we'll delve into the problem of sea cucumber poaching and the impacts it has on both the environment and the illegal trade.What are sea cucumbers? Sea cucumbers are marine animals that belong to the echinoderm family, which also includes starfish and sea urchins. They have a long, tubular body covered in leathery skin and can range in size and colour. Found in the sea, sea cucumbers are often found on the ocean floor, where they feed on detritus and help to maintain the health of coral reefs. These creatures are valued for their ability to filter the water and reduce acidification, making them essential to the health of the marine environment. In fact, sea cucumbers are estimated to be worth millions of dollars across the Asia-Pacific region, making them a highly sought-after commodity.Overfishing and Exploitation Overfishing and exploitation are major threats to the health of the sea and its inhabitants. Many species of fish, including sea cucumbers, are being harvested at unsustainable rates, leading to declines in population and disruption of the marine ecosystem. The sea cucumber is particularly vulnerable to overfishing and exploitation due to its slow-moving nature and the high demand for its perceived medicinal and aphrodisiac qualities. In order to protect these valuable creatures and the sea as a whole, it is important that we take steps to reduce overfishing and exploitation. This includes implementing sustainable fishing practices, enforcing fishing quotas, and increasing awareness about the importance of protecting the sea and its inhabitants. In recent years, we see good progress in successfully farming live species from lavas in Maldives (ref).Aphrodisiac of the ocean: how sea cucumbers became gold for organised crime Sea cucumbers, also known as "aphrodisiacs of the ocean", have become a goldmine for organized crime due to their high demand in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. These slow-moving marine animals, found in the sea, are over-exploited in China and Southeast Asian countries, leading to declines in population and affecting biodiversity. The smuggling of sea cucumbers is a lucrative business that not only undermines the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem, but it also poses a serious threat to the livelihood of local communities who depend on the sea for their livelihood, such as local fishers in Sri Lanka.The demand for sea cucumbers, particularly in China, has led to overfishing and the illegal smuggling of this crucial animal. In an effort to meet this demand, sea cucumber farms have been established, but these operations are often plagued by issues such as disease and lack of regulation, leading to negative impacts on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. The illegal trade of sea cucumbers is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. The smuggling of sea cucumbers, a prized treasure in some cultures, is often facilitated by organized crime groups who profit from the illegal trade of these animals. Overfishing and smuggling of sea cucumbers not only affect the populations of this crucial animal, but it also has wider impacts on biodiversity and the livelihood of local fishers. It is important that we address the issue of sea cucumber smuggling and work to protect these valuable creatures and the marine ecosystem as a whole.National Treasure from the ocean or Traditional Medicines? Sea cucumbers are often referred to as "treasures" due to their high value in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. These slow-moving marine animals are believed to have various health benefits and are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments. Sea cucumbers are rich in protein and are considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, further increasing their value and demand.However, the high demand for sea cucumbers has led to overfishing and the illegal trade of these animals, threatening their populations and the marine ecosystem. While sea cucumbers may be prized for their perceived health benefits, it is important to consider the impacts of overfishing and the illegal trade of these animals on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. Sustainable harvesting and farming practices may be a way to balance the demand for sea cucumbers with the need to protect these valuable creatures and the marine ecosystem.A LIVELIHOOD AND A CRIME on Marine Ecosystem The sea cucumber is a vital part of the marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ocean floor. In Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in India, sea cucumbers are an important source of livelihood for many local communities who depend on fishing for their income. However, illegal trade facilitated by organized crime groups has had devastating impacts on both local livelihoods as well as on biodiversity within marine ecosystems like Gulf Of Mannar located between India & Sri Lanka which is home to over 3K species including fish & other marine life forms.