The Indian Coast Guard made a significant discovery when they found 97 kg of sea cucumbers on the sea shore of North Vedalai in Tamil Nadu.
The officials reported that the species were then transferred to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for conservation purposes.
Sea cucumbers belong to the echinoderm family, similar to starfish and sea urchins. With around 1,250 identified species, a significant number of these creatures resemble soft-bodied cucumbers. These marine animals exclusively reside in the ocean, with some found in shallow waters while others prefer the depths of the ocean. Sea cucumbers can be found either on the ocean floor or in close proximity to it, occasionally being partially submerged.
Sea cucumbers, which are safeguarded by the Wildlife Protection Act, are strictly prohibited from being harvested. The primary motivation behind smuggling these creatures lies in their high value within the international market.
