Port Blair, September 6 — Authorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have intensified anti-poaching operations following a major crackdown that exposed the growing threat posed by foreign poachers targeting the region’s marine biodiversity—particularly sea cucumbers. In the latest operation, 22 suspected poachers from Myanmar were arrested in the dense jungles of Nappi Ghope, and over 550 kilograms of illegally harvested sea cucumbers were seized.
Sea cucumbers, soft-bodied marine invertebrates found on the ocean floor, play a critical ecological role by recycling nutrients and maintaining seabed health. However, they are also highly sought after in Southeast Asian markets for their use in traditional medicine and gourmet cuisine, where they are considered a delicacy with purported healing properties. Their high commercial value—often fetching thousands of dollars per kilogram—has made them a prime target for illegal wildlife trade.
The arrested poachers reportedly entered Indian waters from Myanmar’s coastal regions, navigating through remote and poorly monitored stretches of the archipelago. Intelligence reports suggest a pattern of organized poaching expeditions, with teams dispatched specifically to harvest sea cucumbers from protected zones. A specialized team of over 40 officers, led by SP Shweta K Sugathan, conducted combing operations across sensitive forest and coastal belts to intercept the group.
This marks the largest single anti-poaching operation in the region to date. Officials confirmed that a total of 60 poachers have been apprehended this year alone, underscoring the scale and persistence of the threat. Investigations are ongoing to trace the broader network behind the smuggling activities, which may involve transnational syndicates operating across the Bay of Bengal.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their rich coral reefs and unique marine ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to such exploitation. Conservationists warn that unchecked poaching could lead to ecological imbalance, threatening not only sea cucumber populations but also the health of surrounding marine life.
Local enforcement agencies have called for enhanced surveillance, stricter maritime patrolling, and international cooperation to curb the illegal trade. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, classifies sea cucumbers under Schedule I, granting them the highest level of legal protection in India.
As the region grapples with the dual challenge of safeguarding biodiversity and deterring cross-border incursions, the recent arrests serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated conservation and enforcement efforts.
