Sea Cucumbers Smuggling Busted: Indian Coast Guard Recovers 97 Kg of Endangered Species From Tamil Nadu's North Vedalai Sea Shore in Palk Strait (See Pics)
These marine creatures possess leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single-branched gonad. Classified as an endangered species, sea cucumbers are protected and their harvest is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Ramanathapuram, May 5: In a major haul, The Indian Coast Guard recovered 97 kg of sea cucumbers from Tamil Nadu's North Vedalai sea shore, the officials said on Saturday. According to the ICG officials, the recovered species were later handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for conservation.
"Indian Coast Guard station--Mandapam recovered 97 kg of endangered sea cucumbers from North Vedalai sea shore in Palk Strait. These precious species handed over to TN Forest Dept for conservation efforts," the ICG said. Indian Coast Guard Day 2024: Indian Coast Guard Celebrates 48th Raising Day in New Delhi.
Sea cucumbers, so named because of their resemblance to the vegetable, are single-branched marine organisms generally found on the sea floor. Maharashtra: Indian Coast Guard Ship C439 Rescues Man in Daring Operation After He Falls Into Sea off Mumbai (Watch Video).
Recovered Sea Cucumbers:
These marine creatures possess leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single-branched gonad. Classified as an endangered species, sea cucumbers are protected and their harvest is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act. The main reason for the smuggling is the high price sea cucumber fetches in the international market.